
Glass 

Book 



COi'YRii.HT DtJ'OSIT 



^euxpoft lUgstPated 



and 



Oictionatty of fievapopt. 



C. E. HAMMETT, JR., 

Publisher, 

202 Thames Stree , 

Newport, R. I. 



•^.>. 





COPY R IGHTI831 . 



Copyright, 1891, 

BY 

CHARl-ES E. HAMMETT. JR. 



CHAPTER I. 



EARLY HISTOKY OF NEWPORT. 



IN 1638, Governor Coddington, having associated 
himself with seventeen others, purchased Aquid- 
iieck — " Isle of Peace " — of the Indian sachems, in 
his own name as agent. The company immediately 
took possession of the island, and settled on its north- 
ern extremity, where tliey proposed establishmg a 
colony. A town was regularly laid out, and called 
Pocasset — now known as Portsmouth. The colony 
prospered, and during the following summer search 
was made for a more favorable location, which resulted 
in the selection of the south-western extremity of the 
island, now known as Newport. The t'oUowing 
spring a part of the colony moved to the new site, 
laid out ihe principal streets, and commenced the 
erection of houses. At a subsequent date, the island, 
by order of the General Court, was called the " Isle 
of Rhodes," or Rhode Island, on account of its great 
resemblance to the beautiful Isle of Rhodes in the 
Mediterranean. 



2 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

Newport is beautifully situated on a hill sloping 
gently to the harbor on the west. It is laid out with 
some degree of regularity ; the principal streets run- 
ning north and south, and crossed at right angles. 
The ancient part of the city is compact ; that of recent 
date is open and tastefully arranged. The inner har- 
bor is formed by the Town on the east, the Neck on 
the south, terminating in Breiiton's Point ; Goat Island 
on the west, with an opening to the north and also 
to the south-west. The outer harbor comprises that 
portion of Narragansett Bay lying between Rhode 
Island on the east and the island of Conanicut on the 
west, opening to the ocean on the south, and to the 
north running into Providence River. The entrance 
to the harbor is two miles in width, twenty-nine fath- 
oms in depth, and in only one instance has it been 
closed by ice since the first settlement. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution, great num- 
bers of the inhabitants lei't the Island ; and during tho 
summer and fall of 1776, Newport remained in a dis- 
tressed condition, without commerce, without defense, 
except a few guns at Brenton's Point, and with a 
prostration of business of all kinds. The British fleet 
arrived, and the troops took possession of the town, 
and remained three years. During their stay New- 
port was under martial law. Before leaving, they 
destroyed four hundred and eighty buildings of various 
classes, burned the lighthouse at Beaver Tail, cut 
down all the ornamental and fruit trees, broke up 
nearly all the wharves, and the places of public wor- 
ship, with two exceptions, were used as riding schools 
and stables. The State House they turned into a 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. d 

hospital. The church bells, with one exception — a 
present from Queen Anne — the machinery from the 
distilleries, and the Town Records, were carried off 
to New York ; and when at length they evacuated 
the place, the wells were filled up, and as much prop- 
erty as possible destroyed, by order of the British 
commander. 

The British army quartered on the town numbered 
8,000 English and Hessians. They encamped in 
summer, but in winter forced themselves into the 
houses of the inhabitants. 

From 1778 to the time that the island was evacu- 
ated, contributions were constantly made by States, 
towns, parishes, religious societies, companies and 
individuals, for the benefit of the sufferers at Newport. 
The State granted one hundred and sixty cords of 
wood, then worth twenty silver dollars a cord, and 
jC1,000 to the poor. Old houses were torn down and 
one ship broken up, for fuel. So great was the de- 
mand for food, that corn brought four silver dollars a 
bushel, and half that sum was demanded for the same 
quantity of potatoes. 

During the stay of the British there were always 
vessels of war in attendance, numbering, at times, as 
many as seventy men-of-war and transports ; and 
when the French fleet, under Count D'Estaing, ap- 
peared off" the coast, the British destroyed many ships 
to prevent their falling into the hands of the French. 
The Lark, Orpheus, Juno, Ceberius, Kingfisher, Grand 
Turk and others were burned, two galleys were blown 
up, the Flora sunk, and fifteen large transports scat- 
tered and sunk in the outer harbor ; while the Falcon 



* NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED 

sloop-of-war and thirty armed vessels were sunk in 
the inner harbor. 

The British evacuated in 1779. At that time the 
population of the Town was reduced from 12,000 to 
4,000. After the troops left, the Town was used lot 
cartels between New York and the New England 
States. Many of the inhabitants returned, but it was 
generally the poorer class, which oidy increased the 
distress. Efforts were shortly made to restore the 
commerce, and a few privateers were sent out, which 
brought in many prizes ; but owing to the exposed 
situation of the place, and the long period it had been 
in the possession of the British, other towns, witli 
fewer natural advantages, took the lead in commercial 
enterprise. 

We have no statistics to which we can refer for 
facts connected with the commerce of Newport ; the 
Town having been literally sacked by the British, and 
all the valuable documents destroyed or carried oil'. 
But there is yet data extant that must be taken as 
evidence of her early commercial relations, and the 
high position of her merchants, until they were ruined 
or scattered by the war. Probably on no spot in the 
colonies was there concentrated more individual opu- 
lence, learning and science, than in Newport. In 
architectural taste and costly structures, she was 
unsurpassed ; and was styled the emporium of fashion, 
refinement and taste. Her seamen were bold and 
hardy, and first carried the whaling business as far as 
the Falkland Islands. Her manufactures were highly 
esteemed throughout the country and the West Indies, 
and the remains of her extensive distilleries are still 



X E W P O R T I L L U S T R A T i; n . O 

Visible in various parts of the Town. Of these distil- 
leries there were upwards of thirty, erected at great 
expense. To supply them with molasses, a fleet of 
vessels was constantly employed between Newport 
and the West Indies ; and at this time the seamen ol 
the port numbered twenty-two hundred. 

The following facts in regard to the trade of New- 
port in her palmy days, 1764, are set forth in a protest 
against the Sugar Act. 

" Of the foreign vessels, one hundred and fifty are annually 
employed in the West India trade, which import iuti) this 
colony about fourteen thousand hogsheads of molassf-s, \\ hereof 
a quantity, not less than twenty-five Viundred hogsheads, is 
from English islands. It is this quantity of molasses which 
serves as an engine in the hands of the merchant to efiect the 
great purpose of paying for British manufactures ; for a part 
of it is exported to the Massachusetts Bay, to New York and 
Pennsylvania, to pay for British goods, for provisions, and 
many articles which compose our West India cargoes ; and 
part to other colonies, southward of these last mentioned, for 
such commodities as serve for a remittance immediately to 
Europe, such as rice, naval stores, &c., or siuh as are necessary 
to enable us to carry on our commerce. The remainder, (be- 
sides what is consumed by the inhabitants,) is distilled into 
rum, and exported to Africa." 

Dr. Waterhouse, in an article published in 1824, 
entitled " Medical Literature of Rhode Island," says 
of Newport, " It was the chosen resort of the rich and 
philosophic, from nearly all quarters of the world.' 
He then adds : 

"There were more complete chemical laboratories in Ehode 
Islam I, than were to be found anywhere in Massachusetts prior 
to fifteen years ago. If it be asked, what were they doing in 
Philadelphia at this timel we answer, nothing, if we except 
Franklin's exhibition of electricity. There was then no con- 
siderable library, public or private except one owned by Wil- 
liam Logan, Esq., another wealthy and generous patron of 
literature araoug the Quakers — the Abraham Redwood of Penn- 



O NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

sylvania Is it asked, what were they doing in the medical 
and philosophical line in Boston at this time ! Pelting Dr. 
Boylston with stones as he passed the streets in the day, and break- 
ing hts irindows at night, for introducing inoculation for small pox. 
What were they doing at Cambridge between i 72 1 and 1 754 1 — 
ask your grandfathers — and what were they doing in Rhode 
Island ] Reading the best collection of books to be found in 
Aew England, (Cambridge only excepted,) which gave to 
Newport a literary cast of character which it sustained until 
the Revolution ; that is, till their distinguished men were 
scattered." 

Up to the war of 1812, Newport dragged slowly 
along ; her commerce gradually improved, and her 
merchants, in a measure, regained lost ground. Of 
later years, the Island has become the resort of thou- 
sands durmg the summer, and it once more presents 
a gay and animated appearance. Hundreds of beau- 
tiful buildmgs have been erected during the past few 
years ; the taxable property has increased to thirty 
million of dollars ; and it is now esteemed a favor to 
obtain a fine site for a house at so much a foot, where 
a few seasons ago the same money would have pur- 
chased acres of the most desirable land. Some of 
the changes that have been effected in the appearance 
of Newport, we shall point out in the following pages. 



1 



I 



CHAPTER II. 




CITY HALL WASHINTTON SQUARE. COM. PERRY S HOUSE. 

ZION CHURCH. CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH. — DR. STILES. 

NEWPORT ARTILLERY. 

AT the head of Long Wharf and facing the Parade, 
stands the City Hall, a brick building of good 
proportions and dating back to 1763. It was erected 
as a public market and granary, and by the older 
inhabitant, is still called the " Granary." For a 
number of years the upper story was used as a 
Theatre ; subsequently it was renovated and con- 
verted intoo, public hall, now known as the City Hall 



8 NEWPORT I L L U S T B A T E B 

Tiic lower story is used for the oflSces of the City 
Clerk and Clerk of Probate. 

On the south side of Washington Square, a few 
doors from Thames Street, stands the liouse where 
Commodore Perry resided after the battle of Lake 
Erie. It is a large square building, erected before 
the Revolution by a Mr. Levy, a Jew, and contains a 
wide hall, fine large rooms, and is elaborately finished 
within. A view of it is given at the head of this 
chapter. The house is at present owned and occu- 
pied by Mr Gladding. 

Oliver Hazard Perry, son of Chris. Raymond Perry, 
was born in Narragansett, Aug. 23d, 1785, and when 
thirteen years of age he entered the service as mid- 
shipman, on board the sloop-of-war General Greene, 
commanded at that time by his father, but his warrant 
was not dated until the following year. On the break- 
ing out of the Tripolitan war, he was ordered to join 
the Adams, commanded by Capt. Campbell, with 
whom he continued until Commodore Preble was 
superseded by Commodore Morris, when he returned 
in the frigate New York to the United States. It 
was during this cruise that he was promoted to an 
acting lieutenancy. In 1804 he joined the squadron 
at Malta, where he remained until the conclusion of 
the peace with Tripoli, when Com. Rogers shifted 
his flag from the Constitution to the Essex, and took 
Perry with him to the United States in the capacity 
of second lieutenant. During the Embargo he was 
employed in building seventeen gunboats at New- 
port, Rhode Islfind, and in 1810 he superseded Capt. 
Jones in the command of the United States schooner 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 9 

Revenge, attached to the squadron of Com. Rogers, 
lying at New London. The schooner was lost on 
Watch Hill Reef; a court of inquiry investigated all 
(he facts of the case, by whom the conduct of the 
rom«ianding otiicer was highly applauded. In 1811 
Capt. Perry married Miss Mason, daughter of the 
late Dr. Mascn, of Newport. On the breaking out of 
the late war with Great Britain, he was ordered to 
take command of the United States flotilla lying at 
Newport; and in February, 1813, he was appointed, 
with rank of master commander, to the command of 
the United States naval force on Lake Erie. 

For a truthful and eloquent account of the Battle 
of Lake Erie, the reader is referred to an oration de- 
livered at the celebration of the fortieth anniversary 
of the Tenth of September, by Hon. Geo. H. Cal- 
vert. 

In 1819 Com. Perry was dispatched with the sloop- 
of-war John Adams and schooner Nonsuch, on a mis- 
sion to Angostura, the seat of the Insurgent Govern- 
ment on the Main. While on his way in the Non- 
such from the mouth of the Orinoco, to join the John 
Adams at Trinidad, he was taken with the yellow 
fever, and expired before he n^ached the latter vessel. 
He was buried at Trinidad with funeral honors, and 
in 1826 the remains were brought to Newport in the 
sloop-of-war Lexington, and landed at Overing's 
wharf, Nov. 27th. The following Monday, Dec. 4th, 
they were interred with honors due to his rank and 
services. Since then the State has erected a hand- 
some monument to the memory of the departed hero. 
It stands on the west side of the Island Cemetery, 



10 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

and is composed of a shaft of granite on a square 
pedestal that rises from a grassy mound. On the four 
sides of the pedestal there are appropriate inscrip- 
tions, and at the base rest the remains of Commodore 
Perry and three of his children. 

We enter Clarke Street for a moment to examine 
the Central Baptist Church. The building was 
erected by the Second Congregational Society in 
the year 1 735, and at the time the British took pos- 
session of the Island, it was under the pastoral 
charge of Rev. Dr. Stiles, afterward President of 
Yale College. 

The next building south of the Central Baptist 
Church, is the Armory of the Nev port Artillery — a 
distinguished corps that dates from 1 74 1 . This ancient 
company has always been sustained by the citizens 
of Newport, and its ranks have been filled by father 
and son for generations. The Newport Artillery is 
the body guard of the Governor of the State. 




CHAPTER III, 




ROCHAMBEAU S HEADQUAUTEES. 

VERNON MANSION HOUSE. — HON. WM. VERNON. — LANDING OF WASHING- 
TON AND RECEPTION BY ROCHAMBEAU. — FLLUMINATION 
OF THE TOWN. 



At the corner of Mary and Clarke Streets stands a 
venerable building, still in the most perfect order, ar.d 
promising to resist the stormy winters of anothei 
century. Like many others of the class in the city, 
it is framed of oak, based on a heavy foundation, and 
elaborately finished within and without. The style, 
of which it is a fair specimen, was very generally 
adopted at the period when Newport ranked second 
only to Boston in commercial prosperity. 



12 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

The house before us is known as the Vernon Fam- 
ily Mansion, and was owned and occupied by the' late 
lion. William Vernon, whose public services require 
something, more than a passing notice. 

In the aiin.ils of Rhode Island there are names of 
greater note tlian that of William Vernon ; but of all 
who entered heart and soul into the cause of Freedom, 
and were most prominent in that fearful struggle for 
Independence, not one is more deserving of the high- 
est honors. Had Mr. Vernon taken up arms in the 
common defense, his name would have foimd a dis- 
tinguished place on the page of history ; but his store 
of knowledge was of infinitely more value to the 
country than personal prowess. His labors were of 
the Council ; and as President of the Eastern Navy 
Board, at Boston, his energies were directed to the 
formation of a Ni.vy that should battle with the enemy 
on the ocean — a gigantic undertakmg for that day, 
and one that, by the brilliancy of its success, entitles 
the members of the Board to lasting gratitude. 

When the blow fell upon the Colonies, and every 
" Son of Freedom " was called upon to take an active 
part in repelling the common foe, Mr. Vernon relin- 
quished all private claims, and at once brought his 
extensive knowledge of mercantile and marine affairs 
to the aid of the government ; and to his unflinching 
devotion to Liberty, personal sacrifices and extraordi- 
nary exertions, America, under Providence, owes 
much of her success upon the sea. 

At the close of the war, Mr. Vernon again entered 
oil a commercial life, and he continued his devotion 
to it a-lmost to the dav of his death, which event 



N E W H O ii r ILLUSTRATED. 13 

occurred at the Mansion House Dec. 22d, 1806, hav- 
ing nearly closed his 87ih year. 

During the time the British were in possession of 
the Island, the Vernon house, in common with others, 
was occupied by troops, and it was only on the evac- 
uation that it was restored to the rightful owner. 
When the French fleet arrived, it was made the head- 
quarters of Count Rochambeau, who here entertained 
Washington at the time of his first visit to Newport. 

Gen. Washington, on that occasion, was received 
at the ferry in Ja-mestown, by the Admiral's barge, 
and conducted on board his ship. Of his landing in 
Newport there are several accounts — all more or less 
incorrect. The following was given to us by an eye- 
witness, who siiU lives to relate the details of an 
event which was hailed with joy by the inhabitants 
ot the town 

Washington landed at Barney's Ferry — the corner 
of the Long Wharf and Washington Street. The 
French troops formed a close line, three deep on 
either side, from the ferry house up the Long Wharf 
and Washington Square to Clarke Street, where it 
turned at a right angle and continued to Rochambeau's 
head-quarters. The following night the town was 
illuminated. At that time the inhabitants were pov- 
erty stricken, and comparatively few were able to 
take part in the joyful ceremony ; but that all should 
share in the honors paid so distinguished a visitor, 
the Town Council ordered that candles should be 
purchased, and given to all who were too much dis- 
tressed, through continued losses, to purchase for 
themselves ; so that every house should show a light. 



14 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

The procession was led off by thirty boys, bearing 
candles fixed on staffs, followed by Gen. Washington, 
Count Rochambeau and the other officers, their aids 
and the procession of citizens. The night was clear, 
and there was not a breath to fan the torches. The 
brilliant procession marched through the principal 
streets, and then returned to the head-quarters. On 
reaching the door, Washington wailed on the step 
until all the officers and their friends had entered the 
house ; then, turning to the boys who had acted as 
torch-bearers, he thanked them for their attention. 
This was glory enough for the young p;jtriots. 

An anecdote is related of Washington at this time. 
A little boy had heard so much of Washington, that 
he conceived a strong desire to see him. His father, 
to gratify his wish, lifted him in his arms and ap- 
proached an open window, near which Washington 
stood, whom he pointed out. The child was amazed, 
and exclaimed aloud : " W hy, father, Gen. Washing- 
ton is a man !" It reached the ear of the hero, who 
turned round and said, as he patted the boy on the 
head : " Yes, my lad, and nothing but a man." 

This anecdote has been repeatedly told, but it has 
not been properly located until now. 



CHAPTER 17. 

CHURCH STREET. RESIDENCE OF REV. JAMES HONVMAN. JAMES 

HONYMAN, ESQ. MRS. COWLEY's ASSEMBLY ROOM. BALL GIV- 
EN BY THE FRENCH OFFICERS. BALL GIVEN BY THE CITIZENS 

TO WASHINGTON AND ROCHAMBEAU. BALI. GIVEN TO PRESI- 
DENT WASHINGTON TRINITY CKaRt'H. FUNERAL OF CHEVA- 
LIER DE TERNAY. 

The house making the south corner of Church and 
ThaiUL's Streets, now owne I by T. Mumford Sea- 
bury, was owned and occupied by Rev. James Ilouy- 
man, who was rector of Trinity Church so early as 
1704. He was appointed missionary, and sent over 
to this station by the " Society for propagating the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts," and brought with him, as 
a present to the church, a valuable library of the best 
theological books of that day. Many of these books 
are still in the possession of the church. Mr. Hony- 
man served the society for nearly fifty years, and was 
instrumental of much good. 

The house at that day presented an appearance 
similar to many then in use. The windows werf 
glazed with diamond panes in frames of lead, and 
unique window casings, and the whole exterior, 



16 N K W PORT 1 I. L t S r K A T K I) . 

shaded by heavy projections, was painted a bright 
red color. 

James Honyman, Esq., son of the rector, resided 
with his father. He was elevated in the profession 
of the law at an early age, and held many important 
offices. In his 28th year he was elected Attorney 
General of the colony, which office he held for a 
number of years, and was subsequently King's Attor- 
ney for the County of Newport. Mr. Honyman was 
also one of the committee on the Eastern Boundary 
question, and was one of the counsel who argued the 
case in behalf of Rhode Island, before the Commis- 
sioner appointed by the Crown, at Providence, in 
1741. After resigning his seat in the Senate, he wa.s 
appointed Advocate General of the Court of Vice- 
Admiralty in the colony, but on the breaking out of 
the difficulties with the mother country, he delivered 
his commission to the Governor, at the request of the 
Legislature, to be lodged in the Secretary's office. 
As a speaker, Mr. Honyman is described as elabo- 
rate ; in deportment, as dignified ; and his practice 
was both extensive and profitable. 

Just above — was in earlier times the assembly 
room of Newport, which was kept ])y Mrs. Cowley, 
who, a hundred years ago, wa.s known to all the 
region round. 

It was here that the citizens of Newport gave a 
ball in honor of Washington and Rochambeau, and 
on this occasion Washington opened the bull. 

Passing up the street a short distance, we enter 
the yard of Trinity Church. Here every spot is 
planted with graves ; the very walks and steps sepul- 




TRINITY CHURCH. 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 17 

cher the dead. Many who took an active part in 
colonial times, here find a common resting-place. 
The first grave as we enter, on the left, is that of 
Nathaniel Kay, Esq., Collector of the King's Customs, 
who in his will handsomely endowed the church. 
Here the remains ol the Chevalier De Fayelle, aid- 
de-camp to La Fayette, found a resting-place ; here 
Bishop Berkeley resigned an infant daiighler to the 
earth; and there, by the church side, tovrrcd by a 
icw boards to preserve it from furUicr injury, stood a 
monument erected at the charge of royalty over tlie 
remains of the Chevalier De Ternay.* One who was 
long spared to tell of the past well remembered the 
pageant on the burial of that lamented soldier. He 
was in the chumber where De Ternay died, when 
the body was placed in the coffin, and followed the 
cortege — the most imposing ever witnessed in these 
streets — to the grave, where the priests, nine in num- 
ber, chanted the funeral service, and the sailors who 
bore the corse slowly resigned it to the earth. 

The monument is composed of a large, and once 
beautiful, slab of Egyptian marble. The inscription 
was in gold. It was designed for the interior of the 
church, but as no suitable place coi.ld he found for it 
within the walls, it was placed nearly over the grave, 
where it has gradually cracked and i'allen away. 

The venerable church now numbers one hundred 
and twenty-eight years, and occupies the site of the 
first Episcopal church erected on the Island. We 
have not room for its long list of rectors, and to speak 
of their good deeds would be to fill a volume ; but we 

* This h.s been removed to the VL'St;bu!c, and a new granite monu- 
ment erected near the site of the old one. 



.18 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

will close our account of this building, one of the 
few which has retained its original features un- 
changed for more than a century and a half, with 
an extract from the Memoirs of Rhode Island, pub- 
lished fifty years ago, in the Newport Mercury — and 
never issued in book form, so that it is practically 
unknown to the present generation. Speaking of 
this church the author. 

The late Major Bull remarks : 

•• A few days after the British left Newport, some young men 
of the town, and among them two American officers, entered 
the church and despoiled it of the altar-piece, consisting of the 
King's arms, the lion and the unicorn. They were highly or- 
namental, and were placed against the great east window 
After trampling them under foot, they were carried to the North 
Battery and set up for a target to fire at. The other emblems 
of royalty being out of reach, were suffered to remain. They 
consist of one royal crown on the spire, and another on the top 
of the organ. However little the present generation may care 
for baubles of that kind, still, the antiquity uf these ornaments 
and the propriety of them in the day when they were put up, 
make them still interesting — as indicating, at the first view, to 
the stranger, the antiquity of the structure which contained 
them — and splendid for the days and country in which it was 
erected. This structure has nevejJfeen subjected to the hand 
of modern vandalism. The interior of the church is now the 
same as when Dean Berkeley preached in it, with the exception 
of the longitudinal enlargement, and the pulpit is now the 
only one in America ever graced by the occupancy of that dis- 
tinguished prelate. The church was at that time we are speak- 
ing of without ft minister. As it had been nursed by the High 
Church party in England, it was unpopular with the mass of 
the people, who were writhing under the scourge inflicted by 
that very party. The church edifice, too, had been spared by 
those invaders who worshipped in it, while the other places in 
the town they had desecrated — by convening them into riding 
schools or hospitals — and every part of them but the shells 
they had demolished." 

Turning off at this point, and passing throuijh Schoul 

Street to the corner of Mary Street, we have on the 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 19 

right, the house in which the late William EUery 
Channing, Esq., was born in 1751. 

Wm. E. Channing was one of the earliest Attorney 
Generals of Rhode Island He was a delegate to 
the Continental ( ongress, an opponent of the paper 
money party, and a devoted Federalist. Well read in 
the law, and interested in politics, he rose to distin- 
guished eminence, and at the time of his death he 
held the offices of General and District Attorney. 

The late Hon. Asher Robins says of Mr. Channing, 
in a communication to his biographer : 

"His manner of speaking at the bar was rapid, vehement 
and impressive ; never studied nor exactly methodical in his 
pleadings ; but he always came well prepared as to matter and 
authority. He had an extensive practice, attended all the 
Courts of the State regularly, and was considered for several 
years before his death as the leading counsel of the State. He 
died. I think, at about forty, and after a short illr.ess." 

And his domestic traits are thus recorded by his 

father-in-law, the late Hon. Wm. hllery : 

"The law of kindness and benevolence was in his heart and 
on his tongue. The persons employed by him as domestics, 
and in other services, he treated with great humanity, and 
rewarded with a liberal punctuality. He was an obedient and 
respectful son, and a most ati'ectionate brothet and friend. To 
the poor he was compassionate. The needy never turned away 
from his house empty. His table and his purse were always 
open to their wants, and his muniticence was ever accompa- 
nied with a sweetness in the manner, which doubled the obli- 
gation of gratitude." 



CHAPTER V. 



BASTON'S beach. — BATHINC. — prRGATOUY. — SACHUEST POINT. - 
CAPTURE Off iHE PIGOT BY MAJJR TALBOT. 




:.^-^Y' 



HE Ocean at New- 
port is, and must 
be, one of its great- 
est attractions. 
The visitor for a 
few hours, or he 
who makes it his 
refuge for the sul- 
try season, alike 
wend their way 
thither to breathe 
the air from the Atlantic, and rest mind and body, 
lulled and soothed by its mighty anthem. Even 
those who live within sight of it never weary of its 
changeful beauty. Like the mountaineer, the 
dwellers by the sea learn to love its quiet in calms, 
and its majesty when lashed to fury. 

We are on Easton's Beach, a spot that Berkeley 
and Allston and Malbone and Channing loved to 
visit. Here they each, in turn, came for study and 
meditation, undisturbed save by the music of the 
tumbling surf. Of its influence over his mind, 
Channing thus made record : 



NKWPOllT ILLUSTRATED. 21 

" In this town I pursued for a time my studies of theology. 
I had no professor or teacher to guide me ; but I had two noble 
places of study. One was yonder beautiful edifice, now so 
frequented and so useful as a public library, then so deserted 
that 1 spent day aft^i day, and sometimes week after week, 
amidst its dusty volumes without interruption from a single 
visitor. The other place was yonder beach, the roar of which 
ha- -^o often mingled with the worship of this place, my daily 
resort, dear to me in the sunshine, still more attractive in the 
storm. Seldom do I visit it now without thinking of the work, 
which there, in the sight of that beauty, in the .sound of those 
waves, was carried on in my soul. No spot on earth has helped 
to form me so much as that beach. There I lifted up my voice 
in praise amidst the tempest. There, softened by beauty, I 
poured out my thanksgiving and contrite confessions. There, 
in reverential sympathy with the mighty power around me, I 
became concious of power within. There, struggling thoughts 
and e. notions broke forth, as if moved to utterance by nature's 
eloquence of the winds and waves. There, began a happiness 
surpa.-^sing all worldly pleasure, all gifts of fortune, the happi- 
ness of communing with the works of God." 

Tuckerman, in a volume of poeins, also pays a 
tribute to Newport beach : 

" Thy breath, majestic Sea, was native air, 
And thy cool spray, like Nature's bajiti.sm, fell 
Upon my brow, while thy hoarse suminuus called 
My childhood's fancy into wonder's realm. 
Thy boundless azure in youth's landscape shone 
Like a vast talisman, that oft awoke 
Visions of distant climes, from weary round 
Of irksome life to set my spirit free ; 
And hence, whene'er I greet thy face anew, 
Familiar tenderness and awe return 
At the wild conjuration ; — fondest hopes, 
And penitential tears and high resolves 
Are born of musing by the solemn deep. 

" Then here, enfranchised by the voice of God, 
0, ponder not, with microscopic eye. 
What is adjacent, limited and fixed ; 
But, with high faith gaze forth, and let thy thought 
With the illimitable scene expand. 
Until the bond of circumstance is rent. 
And personal griefs are lost in visions wide 
Of an eternal future ! Far away 



22 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

Where looms yon sail, that, like a curlew's wing, 
Prints the gray sky, are moored enchanted isles 
Of unimagined beauty, with soft airs 
And luscious fruitage and unclouded stars ; 
Where every breeze wafts music, every path 
By flowers o'erhung, leads to a home of love, 
And every life is glorified with dreams : 
And thus beyond thy present destiny. 
Beyond the inlet where the waves of Time 
Fret at their barren marge, there spreads a sea 
More free and tranquil, where the isles of peace 
Shall yield thy highesr aspiration scope, 
And every sympathy response divine." 

During the summer mouths, the beach is daily vis- 
ited by hundreds, who array themselves in fancy 
costumes, and eagerly plunge into the tumbling surf. 
Gayly appareled beaux and belles vie in fantastic 
tricks, making the air ring with their careless laugh ; 
but the music of their nn rry voices and the roaring 
of the surf are occasionally made to play the second 
pan to the screams of some timid girl, who would 
fain buffet with the waves, did her courage admi^ 
She is vanquished at the outset, and the first wave 
that caresses her tiny feet banishes for ever her small 
stock of courage ; while her companions fearlessly 
ride the billows' snowy crest ; now floating lightly on 
the ocean's heaving bosom ; now diving beneath the 
surface, in search of old Neptune's sparkling treasures. 
Nought will the swimmer there find, save sand smooth 
and white, or perchance a few shells fringed with 
delicate coral and many-colored moss. 

Here, as well as on Sachuest Beach, were once 
seen fishermen drawing their nets for menhaden and 
blue fish or horse mackerel. The latter were also 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED 



23 



taken in great abundance at the east end of Sacliuest 
Beach. . 

Passing over the Beach and the creek connecting 
Easton's Pond with the ocean, we cross the neck of 
land that divides the two beaches, and pause upon 
the bold line of rocks that face the shore, '^he^se 
rocks, called the Bluff, are composed of gray wacke, 
and many of them have been displaced from their 
original bed by some mighty convulsion of nature. 




BLUFF XFAR PURGATORY. 

Near the northern extremity of the Bluff, and at the 
highest point, there is a dark chasm, known as Pur- 
gatory. The general impression is that the rock at 
this point was divided by some sudden upheaving ot 
the earth, though President Hitchcock has expressed 
the opinion that it resulted from the washing of the 



24 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

ocean at an early period in the world's history, at 
which time a larger portion of the earth was submerg- 
ed, and the less enduring portions of the rock gave 
way under the action of the sea. Be this as it may, 
it requires strong nerves to approach the brink and 
look down into tlie yawning abyss. By actual measure- 
ment, the chasm is one liundred and sixty feet in lengtn ; 
width at top, from eight to fourteen feet ; width at 
bottom, from two to twentv-four feet; depth at the outer 
edge, fittv feet; depth of water at h)w tide, ten feet. 

One side of Purgatory is much higher than the 
oLher, and a few persons have been so daring as to 
leap across it. Two legends are connected with 
Purgatory. One is that the Devil once rewarded a 
sinning squaw for her murderous deeds, by throwing 
her down into the gulf The foot-prints of His Ma- 
jesty are still visible in the rock, and some go so far 
as to point out the spots of her blood along the bluff. 
The other story is of a maiden who put the affections 
of her lover to (he test, by requiring him to leap 
across the opening in the rock from the point where 
they stood; deciariuo that if he did not confirm his 
vows of love by this act, he should never wed her. 
The youth, perceiving that she was really in earnest, 
boldly sprang to the opposite side ; then bowing to 
the heartless girl, and bidding her a final adieu, he 
left her on the rock speechless from remorse. 

Passing the second beach, we are on Sachuest 
Point, the extreme south-east of the Island. The 
waters on the left hand flow from Mount Hope Bay 
and make the East River. 

Here a bold scene was witnessed in 1778. The 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 21. 

British were then in possession of the southern portion 
of the Island, and they desired to cutoffall communica- 
tion by sea with other portions of the State. To 
effect this, a galley was anchored directly in the pas- 
sage before us, armed with ten eighteen-pounders, 
besides ten swivels. In addition to this heavy arma- 
ment, she was protected by a strong boarding netting, 
and manned by a crew of forty-five men, under Lieut. 
Dudley. She was called the Pigot. In her position 
she could do much injury to the American forces by 
intercepting supplies ; and at last complaints became 
so general, that Major Talbot conceived the bold 
project of capturing her. To insure success, he ob- 
tained a small sloop, called the Hawk, equipped her 
with two three-pounders and sixty picked men from 
the various regiments quartered in Providence. The 
number was subsequently increased to seventy-five. 
After passing the fort at Bristol Ferry without receiv- 
ing any injury from the shots fired at him, he anchored 
in Mount Hope Bay, where he left the vessel in 
charge of Lieut. Baker, landed and rode down the 
shore to this point. Here he carefully inspected the 
galley. He found her armed at all points, but the 
result of his inspection was exhibited in a stronger 
determination to attack her, which resolution he car- 
ried into effect on a dark night, Nov. 4th, 1778 The 
attack is thus described by the biographer of Talbot:* 

"As the .sloop dropped silently down the river, they lashed 
s kedge-anchor to the jib-boom, to tear, and at the same time 
grapple with the nettings of the Pigot. They drifted by tho 
Fogland fort under bare poles, without being discovered, 

♦ "Life of Talbot," by Henry T. Tuckerman. 



26 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 



although they saw the sentinel each time he passed the bar- 
rack light. This was a most auspicious circumstance, for one 
shot wuuld liave given an alarm to the galley. All hands 
being ready for action, they again hoi.sted sail ; but fearing 
they should run astray of their object in the darkness, soon 
cast anchor once more, lowered a boat, and went in search of 
her with muffled oars. They had proceeded but a few rods 
when her sombre form was seen rising in the gloom ; they 
noted how she rode with the wind and tide, returned to the 
Hawk, and directed her course accordingly. Being soon per- 
ceived by the watch on the deck of the galley, they were 
repeatedly hailed, but made no answer; when nearly along- 
side, a volley of musketry was discharged at them ; but before 
the Pigot could fire one gun, the jib-boom of the Hawk had 
torn its way through the nettings, and grappled the foreshrouds; 
while their sakite had been amply returned, and Lieut. Helm, 
followed by his detachment, mounted the deck sword in hand. 
With shouts, the crew of the Hawk drove every man into the 
hold of the galley, except the commander, who fought despe- 
rately in his :;hirt and drawers, until convinced that resistance 
was useless. When informed, however, that he was van- 
quished by a little sloop, he wept over his inevitable disgrace, 
and Major Talbot in vain offered him the condolence which, 
as a generous victor, he felt at his mortification. This brilliant 
covp de main was effected without a loss on either side." 




CHAPTER YI. 



OLD STONK MII-L. 




N the centre of an open lot, 
bounded by Pelham, Belle- 
vue, Mill and George Sts., 
stands a venerable pile, 
known to the world as the 
"Old Stone Mill," but 
sometimes it is spoken of 
as the "Newport Ruin'' 
and the " Round Tower." 
The stranger asks " when 
and by whom was it built,"and from one 
he receives an answer that carries the 
mind back to the days when the Viking rover, 

" Wandering from his region frozen, 
On \ineland's shores delighted once to roam." 

And by another he is told that 

" This is the " Old Mill " of which they tell lies." 

The origin and early history of the " Old Mill " is 
shrouded in mystery ; and this fact, coupled with its 
peculiar construction and isolated position, Iims led to 
many fruitless conjectures. The antiquarian claims 
for it the honor of having afforded a secure shelter to 
the Norsemen, who, they say, built it as a lookout 



28 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 




OLD STONE MILL. 



and a tower of defense. The matter-of-fact observers 
deny it this enviable renown, and maintain thut it is 
neither more nor less than an " Old Mill," built by 
CJov Benedict Arnold, the first Charter Governor ol 
the Colony, who owned the property at the time of 
his death, and of it makes mention in his will, calling 
it '• my stone built Wind Mill." 

xVn old mill near Leamington, England, designed 
by Inigo .Tones, is supposed to have been Gov. Ar- 
nold's model for his stone-built windmill by those 
who claim it to be a modern structure. The cut of 
this mill will help the reader to form his own con- 
clusions. 




OLD MILL AT LEAMINGTON. 



CHAPTEK VII. 

REDWOOD LIBRARY. JEWISH CEMETERY JEWISH SYNAGOGtIE. 

AT the time that Bishop Berkeley resided at New- 
port, a literary and philosophical society was 
lormed by a number of gentlemen of the town. The 
society met weekly for debates and conversation upon 
questions of utility and interest ; and to enable them 
the more successfully to carry out their original plan, 
it was deemed expedient to secure a library. In this 
step we trace the foundation of the Redwood Library 
and Athenaeum. The attention of the society was 
immediately directed to the collection of books ; and 
m 1747 a great impulse was given by Abraham Red- 
wood, Esq., who placed at the disposal of the society 
jC500, for the purchase of standard books in London 
For the following sketch of the library building, we 
are indebted to tlie history of the Library, introduced 
iiiio ih^ list published catalogue : 

" To give permanence and usefulness to his donation, Mr. 
Redwood enjoined on the society the duty of erecting an edi- 
fice, a.s a depository for such books as might be purchased. In 
pursuance of their object, a charter of incorporation was ob- 
tained in 1747, and the society in honor of iheir most liberal 
benefactor, assumed the name of the Redwood Library Com- 
pany For the erection of a library building, five thousand 
pounds were almost immediately subscribed by different citi- 
zens of the town. Henry Collins, Esq., proved a noble coad- 
jutor of Mr. E^edwood, and presented in June, 1748, to the 
company, the lot of land, then called Buwling Green, on which 
the present library edifice now stands. 



30 N K W P O R T I 1, 1. U S 1' R A T E D . 

" The library building, which is a beautiful specimen of the 
Doric order, was commenced in 1748, and completed in 1750. 
The plan was furnished by Joseph Harrison, Esq., assistant 
architect of Blenheim House, England. He also superintended 
the erection of the edilice, with the committee of the company, 
consisting of Samuel Wickham, Henry CoUims and John Til- 
Hnghast The master-builders were Wing Spooner, Samuel 
Green, Thomas Melvil and Israel Chapman. The principal 
front is ornamentt d with a portico of four Doric columns, sev- 
enteen feet in hight, and projecting nine feet from the walls 
of the building. The edifice consists of a main building, and 
two small wings on each side, ranging in a line parallel with 
the west end of the building. The wings furnish two rooms 
of about twelve feet square The principal library room, occu- 
pying the whole of the main build'ing, is thirty-seven feet long, 
twenty-six feet broad, and nineteen feet in hight. The whole 
building is supported by a substantial foundation raised seve- 
ral feet from the grc"ind." 

Names of the leading men in the history of Rhode 
Island, are connected with this library. William 
Ellery, Stephen Hopkins, Daniel Updike, James 
Honyman, Jr., Dr, Stiles; and many others in turn 
were active members. 

Valuable presents have been made to the library at 
difTerent'times, and the late Judah Touro, Esq.,inhis 
will, bequeathed three thousand dollars to the Company, 
lobe expended in books and repairs. In 1843 he 
gave a thousand dollars to defray the expense of 
re-setting ihe steps. 

The Library contains many old and valuable books 
that are now comparatively scarce ; but many of the 
finest works were carried off by the British troops, 
when they left the Island. The loss sustained at that 
time can never be replaced. The present number of 
volumes is more than twenty thousand. 

Continuing along Touro street to the north, the mas- 
sive granite gateway nnd fence, surrounding the Jewish 



NEWPORT I L L U S T R A i h D 



31 




JEWISH CEMETKRV. 

Cemetery will attract attention . It was erected in 1 843 
Uy order of the late Judah Touro, Esq., at an expense 
<)f about $12,000. Mr. Touro was a native of 
Newport, and in these grounds repose the remains 
of his father and mother and other members of his 
family. The cemetery and the walk in front are kept 
in repair by a fund provided for that purpose through 
the liberality of Mr. Touro. 

The street to the right, and leading nearly north, is 
Kay street, named after Nathaniel Kay, Esq., 
of whom mention is made in a former chapter. Kay 
street is of ample width, and in time, the walks will be 
shaded by the ornamental trees that have been planted. 
The b'llMings — all erected within a few years — stand 
back fro;n the street, and many of them are large and 



32 N E W P O U T I L I, U S T R A T i: D . 

expensive, and not a few, are luat and picturesque 
cottages. 

The continuation of Toiiro street will bring us to 
the Jewish Synagogue, which stands in an open lot, 
surrounded by a granite fence, somewhat similar to 
that around the cemetery. The synagogue was built 
in 1762, and up to the war it was regularly opened for 
services ; at that time there were not less than sev- 
enty Jewish families residing in Newport, and many 
of their members were nunbered among the most 
wealthy and influential ciiiz* ris. It was the only 
place of worship in New Ei, gland, where Hebrew 
was chanted and read weekly. Abraham Touro left 
the handsome sum of $20,000 in charge of the 
Town authorities, the interest to be expanded in 
keeping the synagogue and grounds, and the street 
leading to it, in good repair, and the wishes of the 
donor have been carefully complied with. 

In July, 1859, the improvements which had been in 
progress for some time upon the Redwood Library were 
completed. The extensive addition to the east of the 
new building will furnish sufficient room for the books 
with wlilch the Library has Ion:? been crowded. 



CHAPTER VJIT, 



CHURCH OF THE HOLY CROSS. CAPTURE OF GEN. PRESCOTT. 

REDWOOD HOUSE BUTT's HILL. LAWTOn's VaLLEY. 



BY taking the main road, and keeping to the west, 
an hour's ride will bring us to the spot where 
Ge-n. Prescott was captured by Col. Barton, on the 
night of June 10th, 1777. The road is not as much 
frequented as the east or mail route, but in many 
respects it is more pleasing. 

At the corner of the cross read, about three and a 
half miles out, stands a picturesque little church, built 
from a design by Mr. Upjohn, and calletl the Church 
of the Holy Cross. Beyond this, a distance of per- 
haps a mile and a half, we reach the farm known as 
the Page place, and the house that stands back a 
short distance from the road, was occupied by Gen. 
Prescott, as his head-quarters in Portsmouth, at the 
time that he was surprised by the Americans. 

The capture of Gen. Prescott by Col. Barton was 
a memorable event in the history of the Revolution, 
and as remarkable for its daring as for its complete 
success. It is unnecessary here to rehearse the 
story ; every one is acquainted with the particulars, 
and we have only to point to the diiTerent objects to 
make the whole scene familiar. 



y4 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

The stream that gently falls over the wall, then 
winds across the road and under the little bridge, is 
soon lost to view in the tangled brushwood on the 
west. It was by this ravine, (through which this 
stream finds its way to the sea,) that Barton and his 
party approached the house. The gate and the path 
remain unchanged, and one can readily imagine the 
band of patriots quietly drawing near to the 1 ouse, 
with the full determination of capturing the leader o( 
the enemy's forces, or of sacrificing their lives in the 
attempt. The work was soon done. The old negro 
(who we well remember) broke in the panel with his 
head ; the astonished General was taken from his 
bed, and without allowing him time to dress, he was 
carried forth l)y strong arms, and hurried over a field 
but lately reaped — the stubble sorely cutting his naked 
feet — to the boat in waiting at the mouth of the creek. 
There he was wrapped in Barton's cloak, and the 
boats pulled away for the opposite shore, passing 
directly under the stern ol one British man-of-war, 
and under the bows of another ; the General hearing 
the sentinel above his head proclaiming " All's well," 
but, restrained by the fear of instant death, he could 
not make known his painful situation. 

The house was at that time in the possession of 
the Overing family, and by some it is still called *he 
Overing house. Since that time it has passed thro-gh 
several hands. 

The name of Prescott was detested by friend j.nd 
foe, and independent of the humiliation and disg.ace 
attached to such a capture, the British troop^j were 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 35 

overjoyed to find that he had been so siiudenly 
snatched from his command. 
In Newport, the 




■^-^v 



HEAD-QUARTERS OF GEN. PRESCOTT, 

was the house corner of Pelham and Spring Streets, 
directly opposite the Congregational Chur( h, and 
later the property of Joshua Sayer, Esq. During the 
war it was owned by the Bannister family. The 
General, in pleasant weather, used to walk frotn the 
corner of the house in Spring Street to the north 
corner of the block, and, to have a dry flagging, he 
caused a sufficient number of stone steps to be re- 
moved from the neighboring dwellings, and placed 
there for his accommodation. Hern he used to sun 
himself, and wo betide the man who had the temerity 
lo pass him without taking off his hat. 

The house is of the old school, of which we have 
already made mention. It is finished througiiout with 



36 N E W P O 11 r ILLUSTRATED, 

panel work, elaborate mouldings, rooms of ample di- 
mensions, a wide hall and generous staircase. 

The next estate to the Page place, with the fine 
row of linden trees in front, is the Redwood farm : 
and at the time of the capture of Gen. Prescott, it was 
occupied by Gen. Smith, who was second in com- 
mand. 

Beyond the Redwood farm, and to the right, there 
is an elevation, known as Butt's Hill. Here the 
Americans, under Sullivan and Greene, made a des- 
perate stand against the British, at the time they were 
driven from the Island. The odds were greatly in favor 
of the enemy, but nevertheless these brave officers 
managed to cover the retreating forces, and to embark 
with them without serious loss. 

The valley below Butt's Hill is an exceedingly 
picturesque one, and is known as Lawton's Valley. 
It is watered by a small stream that flows through its 
entire length, and falls into the Bay. Few who have 
leisure, pass this lovely spot without pausing to rest 
beneath the shade of the trees that hang gracefully 
over the little brook. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE POINT. WASHiNGTON STREET DR. WM. HUNTER EON. 

WM. HUNTER. DEATH OF CHEVALIER DE TERNaY. FORT 

UBKENE. 

FINE view of the Bay 
and Harbor may be ob- 
tained from the Point, 
which comprises that 
part of the city to the 
north of the Long 
Wharf, and west of 
Thames Street. 

The change in the 
appearance of the Point 
within a few years, is 
very great ; not that 
any remarkable buildings have gone up there, but the 
whole of that portion of the city has sensibly im- 
proved. The principal streets have been graded, the 
buildings generally neatly painted, and in a few in- 
stances new and pretty cottages have been built. 
We often wonder that no more buildings are erected 
in that quarter ; the situation is delightful, the pros- 
pect finer than in the compact part of the city ; it is 
easy of access, affords a fine opportunity for bathing, 
and offers many inducements to those who are seek- 
ing desirable building lots. 




38 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

The principal street running norih and south, is 
Washington Street. About half way from the Long 
Wharf, and a few doors from Bridge Street, stands 
the Hunter house, another of the old fashioned build- 
ings, so characteristic of Newport. 

Here Dr. Wm. Hunter resided, and the property 
is still in the hands of his descendants. 

Dr. Hunter was a Scotch physician of high respect- 
ability He was educated at Edinburgh, but settled 
in Newport many years prior to the Revolution. It 
is said that he was one of the devoted band of Scotch- 
men who adhered to the last to the ill-fated house of 
Stuart, and that his emigration hither was the conse- 
quence of his participation in the rebellion of 1745. 
In the year 1755 he was surgeon of the troops raised 
by this State for the expedition against Crown Point, 
and it was in his tent that the brave Baron Diesiiau 
breathed his last. In the year 1756 he delivered in 
this city, the first course of anatomical lectures ever 
given in the country. H-s youngest son, the late Hon. 
William Hunter, was born at Newport. 

Hon. William Hunter graduated at Brown Univer- 
sity, and sailed for London, where he commenced the 
study of medicine under the guidance of his kinsman, 
the celebrated Dr. Hunter. The profession, however, 
was distasteful to him, and he soon after entered the 
Inner Temple, a pupil of Arthur Murphy, Ksq. Re- 
turning to Newport, and having been admitted to the 
bar at the age of twenty-one, he soon found himself, 
despite his youth, in the enjoyment of a large and 
lucrative practice. 

In 1834, Mr. Hunter was appointed Charge to 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 39 

Brazil, an office which, in 1842, was raised to that of 
a full mission. In a 844, Mr. Hunter retired from the 
post and from public lile, and returned to this place, 
where he resided until his death. 

As a lawyer, Mr. Hunter was distinguished for the 
extent and variety of his learning, while his varied 
accomplishments gave him great power as an advo- 
cate. As a writer, he is mostly known by his occa- 
sional orations and discourses, which display rich 
and ripe scholarship. 

It was in the Hunter house that the Chevalier De 
Ternay breathed his last. 

At the northern extremity of Washington Street, 
Fort Greene is situated ; and from this point a beau- 
tiful prospect opens, and one may long enjoy the 
view of the Bay and the projecting points of land. 

Fort Greene rests in part on the Blue Rocks. It 
was built in 1776, and the breastwork was thrown up 
in one night, for the purpose of attacking the British 
ship Scarborough, lying off Rose Island. On the 
following day the guns were brojught to bear so eflect- 
ually upon her as to force her to beat an ignoble 
retreat The fort was called the North B; t cry till 
1798, when, by order of Congress, the present fort 
was built and named after Gen. Greene. 



CHAPTER X. 

TAMMANY HI! I.. MALBONK's GARDtN. SMIBERT. ALLSTON. 

STUART. 

THE rising ground to the north of the city is known 
as Tammany Hill — so called from the fact that 
Miantonomi, an Indian sachem, once ruled this por- 
tion of the island, and it h;is been said that he made 
this hill the seat of his government ; recent discoveries 
have, however, shown that the sachem who made 
this hill his home was Wannemetonomie, a son of 
Miantonomi. The hill is quite elevated, sloping 
gradually to the south and west, and on the north it 
is very abrupt. 

During the Revolution, Tammany Hill was sur- 
mounted by a breastwork, thrown up by the British, 
and was made one of a chain of outposts across the 
Island. The remains of the work are still visible. 
There is a lookout rising from the centre of the hill, 
and from its summit a fine view of the surrounding 
country may be obtained. We have often paused 
upon this elevated point to erjoy the scene. To 
watch ail the changes in the landscape, from the first 
dawn of light to the last dying rays of the setting sun, 
is the privilege of those only who reside on the hill- 
tops ; and the lessons that are taught to Ihe young by 
the glories of the sunlight and the majesty of the 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 41 

storm, seen from a point like this, cannot be effaced 
even amid the stirring scenes of after lif^. 

A little lower, on the south side of the hill, stands 
a picturesque stone house, built by J. Prescott Hull, 
Eovj. It is located on or near the site of the famoi.s 
Malbone House. All the land in that section wss 
once tne procerty of the late Gcdliey Malbone, Esq., 
and the estate had a wide reputation for (he taste and 
elegance displayed b^- its weahby proprietor. 'I'he 
house was acciaenunly consumed in 1766. The 
flames broke out as a large party were about to sit 
down to dinner. Mr. Malbone, finding that it would 
be impossible to save the house, ordered the dinner 
to be taken to the lawn and served, observing, " If 1 
have lost my house, there is no reason why we should 
lose our diimer." To this day the grounds are spoken 
of as Malbone's Garden, though noiliing now remains 
of the former splendor, save the artificial fish-ponds, 
and the rows of ancient fruit trees. 

When the property passed out of the Malbone fam- 
dy, Edward Malbone, a descendant of Godfrey Mal- 
bone, Esq., devoted himself to his art with unabated 
zeal, that by so doing he might in time be enabled to 
repurchase the estate. By his intense application to 
his profession, he undermined his constitution, and 
planted the seeds of a disease that shortened his life. 

Newport may justly be proud of the distinguished 
artists who, at various periods of her history, have 
shown so decided an attachment to her soil. Smilert 
painted here, and probably the portrait -i Bishop 
Berkeley, now at Yale College, was painted at White- 
hall. Samuel King, during his lifetime, practised por- 



43 X K W P O R T ILLUSTRATED. 

trait painting in Newport, and it is a nu tier of regret 
that we have so little of his history preserved to us ; but 
we know that he was the first instructor of Malhone 
and AUston, and that the store in Thames Street, long 
occupied by Mr. Jno. N. Potter, No. 130, was the spot 
where they were daily employed under his direction. 
Stuart made Newport his home ; his attachment to it 
was very marked, and his daughter. Miss Jane Stuart, 
an artist of much skill, resides here at the present time. 
The painting in the Senate Chamber of the State 
House, is one of Stuart's finest works ; and as a con- 
trast to it, there are two pictures in the Redwood 
Library, portraits of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bannister, 
painted by him when a boy, and before he sailed for 
Europe to study with West. Mr. Charles B. King, 
now of Washington, claims Newport as his home, 
and many ot his finest pictures have been deposited 
in the Redwood Library ; and Mr. R. M. Staigg, 
whose miniatures are so highly prized, is a citizen of 
Newport by adoption. 

A few of Malbone's pictures are still to be found 
in Newport, but in most cases they have been pur- 
chased and taken away. The " Hours " — the picture 
that has made his name famous — is at present in 
Providence. 




MINIATURE BY MALBONE. 



T.H E [N- .) J 

Rhode-Ifland Gazette. 



THURSDAY. Jan I'ARY ii I7?3 



SIR. 



To Mr. Timothy Truman. /<;;, and tqucl, and not liafclc to any Abufel 

from Fofce or Bribery, or Frauds ct any SotU 
3S Where the Eleftion feldomer recurs, or is 
T W3S a very good' made by fewer Hinds, or where there are hf 
Reply that was given ger Fees, or longer tr greater Opportunities of 
to one who had faid, yrlvate. Gain and Aiivantage to be made of the 
Rehston end Govern pijblicid Dffices, at ihq, publick Fxp.;nce. All 
mint viere the Caufe cj our Freemen are Eleftors :' they are the B d? 
all the Conieniioni ,n\ of the People, whofe Inrerclt and the Publick 
ths World, that, Thire is the fame thing I have heard .it indeed oh- 
'.;* nothing elje in the jeOed againll r.ur Superior Court of Judicature 

'"'•' ■■ coniending that the Annual Choice of the Judges muft 

tender themVnore likely to receive Impreflions 
than if they held during rheir good Behaviour. 
But as they ate chofen by the Body of tho. 
People, and not appoijiied by the Executits 
Authority, I think the Ohj-flion is of no 
Weigttior Regard. The •U.ftrihution of Lands, 
at firft, and the Prefervation of Property in fa 
many Hands, is a greai Bulwaik to our Con- 
Ititutioh. And fo has been our dultotn of 
changing, and varying feveral Officers, wliicb 
has procured us more Men capable of tiiofe 
Office^ and ar 'he ■^me Time they have l>een! 




"^, 



World worth 
for: 

— • " For what is Life ? , 

" 'Tis not to Itjlk ah'ut. and draw frefh Air, 
" From Time to Time, and gaze upon the Suni 
"Tis to be jrte . When Liberty is- gone, 
"Life grows irifipid, and has lotl its Relifh, 
'' A Day, an Hour of vertuous Liberty 
"Is worth an 'ivhole Eternity of Bondage. 

iddi/on. 
Bo;)dage destroys Religion, which is 

" The <;otdial Drop Heaven in our Cup hastHtown to min7 <nircks uptra cn^ crrOT»b«, 

" To inake the naufeous Draft of Lift go down." hence tias proceeded, above all, .the Cheapocfiji 

ol our Adminiftration, the Eafinefs of our Tax 

When I confidet the Lihelties left in the os of all Sorts, which I 'apprehend has in thei 

tngliO: Nations, when almoR the whole World grearelt Degree preferved to us the intire life 

>iefid« thbft fottunate lilands is enilaved, it fills of the original Plan of Gi^vernment the Crowrn 

iry rieart with Gratitude to God and thcfe was mod gracioufly pleafcd, with fo much JVit 

illuftrious jHeroes. who, under him, were the dom and Goodnefs, at firif to. give us. 

happy Means of its Prefervation. May there Libirt^ ,o) .Con/cience, which is Ftcedom t^ 

never be wanting there generous Defenders of worOiip God in the Way we ate fletfwaded ii 

the jijlt. Rights of the People. May the Love moft agreeable to his Will, and mbft accepta" 

of Liberty nevet decay, aadway God for theit hie to him, and which is the only indefeojiblt 

Sins ne*et delivei' iT'ttiise Nations to Tjrran Right of nil Mtti, is no wheie elfe fo fully en 

ny and Arbitrary fltiw jiy'd: We have even no Terms «f Reproach, 

When I refitQ on our happv C'^ndition in and are burdened wijh no EftaMirtiftient. 

this Colony, and the mol't invaluable Priviledges On evety Account we are and may be rfie" 

we enjoy at the eafioll and cheapcll Kate ima- happiell People in the Univerfe, if We could 

ginaWe, 1 cannot fuflicicntly admire thr Wifdotn dc Iftrfible of otir H^ppjf)efs, and contented to 

and Felicity of out ConlUiution, nor enouji: enjoy ir. If I (hould rcprrfent to my CouflttV- 

applaud the Diftretion and Frugality with which men rhe Slavery and Opprejjion of ihe greafkll 

our Affairs have all along been managed. Part of theit Fellow Cieaturcs, they would 

By o^x Charter, out Lrg:nature and the Exet have a quickci Relifh for theit. Ptiviledges, 

cuilve Potter are more agreeable to the E'jui- and he more tenacious of them, and he gieatly 

lily of Narjire,- and do better ferve the true Itrergthencd in the honelf , 4?rejadice every 

Ends of Government, than any other Fotm or Man has for his Native Country. We fhould 

Nfethrd nrhjtevcr. _ The Annuti Choice of Ma- ptvu bcgrutch a warmer Climate or more 

g'fftates, and all other Officers, is a wife tto- fruitful Soil, to thofe who are Slaves in Bo- 

vifi»n to Ijeep them honeU and faithful, and dy aiid. Mind. If I fhould but mentioi^lt\e 

li)»k£s Way for that Romrion in Government conOant' growing Expence, and heai^ Tiles, 

yhicb has alwaj-s been found and acknowledged the Ijofs of ancient Priviledges, and 'he i^«- 

the /urrfl Support and 'Defence of a joft Li- fent< vexatious, inextricable, and, 1 tear, \\nt 

bciiy And the Quice it /^^ among ui is nofi Entanglements of a iKiBhboiuio-r,..</3veniine»1', 



fny Counuym^n rruft uninimoully join in apJ Pii6cg-'f3F the States which may give- Sip 

plauding the l.ifc and Happinefs of obr Con- tnoTe Prerogatives. 

Ititutioii, and the Wifdom arid NecelTity, of Parts, Sept. 22. H.S. Mr. Thompfon, belonging' 

avoiding any Mialuies .*t»c--t7iay 3(.'»ll* eniin- ti} the 'Ciapiable Ctrporatlon 1n .€hgland, had 
gerjt. 05. (jirevini. oai; £njtyJns"iW ftiU/Hapj *' fcifcjl . fame Tjm^ in ToMrnUahd appeired-pub- 

.lin'els it li capable fo'lfFoia, Wfiile we hivi t Ikmy 4fl -his ov^a Cloathi|_ ,but vw_ hear he 

•ihuS the Management of out own Affairs l> now gone tot a few Djys towards the CoaU. 

ir. our ^--vn Hands, whtf TeEs tnottliat vpsi oiiy in ^ot4et ita nvef his Father upon extraoidinarV 

t... Affairs. 

, ".Hiil iappy native Land' But I foibeat ) London, Sept. ix. Governdur Worfley lies tnuclt 

*VVlia't cTtVef fcdiln(-t<cs:niull^«vitl>..Env)i. heat? indifpofed .at .his -'"Houfe -If) Golden-Square. 
'''If iKefe'TlTOBghts miy yield any Entertaini thihdilphU, Die. ti 

iiient ni ■Adv3n?i5C io'ycWT'KeadcTS,' efpctrally We hear from the lower Counties, t^at ^it is 

af-'rher fti'wWMrt any Meaibra tnnrejiSe ; Ihe lb exceeding ^kly there,. . the Livingih; /carce 

J-ivo of OUT W^pfiy 'ConlHiarion and Forin of able jo. bury ihe. Dead,- whole FafSine5»g)8r.tig 

CiQvernirtrn'r, J' (Kali JW"V»-irt tewaided- for my cjown .at, oi»ct,,and mq,n.; d>^ unisnovjrtjo iSifir 

yjins in. iirowilig-tKtin 6n'Paper'; andiyou, Naigh6sur9.,,,Tivp Indi«Ti\$?ichcms cOn/ijjg ddwn 

J "h(?P^'Vi\l, ftnCyo'il 'Account in tHrir Puh- to vifit the iProptietor,, wej^eaWen -fiefe o)L.tSc 



Lifauon. , ' 

^hairjgani'eit 'Nmt ? 

« O'K^* >'G N 



He, Small , Pqx, one of Which fe*^dfia^ 

WilliaisrFreebnrBi Bajion^.Jnit^' i.' 

',;WeihMT-, ftftto ibe .Hflshlinas, orl>-tfii.(iack- 

(jdeL.<iSiiCoip^t;od, ihjt'on'JVfiinday iiJi ■'Cspr. 

John Prince came In ih/ii .froni KsW ytjrki 

'■■*"■''" d 



P F A I It S. 
■N..S> 
PrU'ite i,epers fronvjiPaiis inform ur, c!H« bound ro this Place, with Flov»er,' 8tc,-^ an 
It' vviii Jby if.' ^dvicer 'of thei ^dipil iflff having ^(Caffon,, to gp qd Shore in the Fven 
Tolii»nac,- thi: 'th* -tn*^^ CbriliriHi )4irig ing, liiiis,^Vf(r«Jtfw» tarried, Of.'C,of .ibeHa^bou. 
f,'iili^dcd Hls'<^[,hoJic<)<''Mi^efty t6 p\ahe Llfp hdrae J>ili)fiQin,.g„>t>y 'U}^ riVis-l' an4 ice, >iih 
*-Oid(n5i-'Rtbh^5nl ^i>" PrlMe ^ioiltflr: ;«f all.to.^ MeiV-o^i froaWr >nd .',ii?» w»atl.)' ^.ffU'J 
1be Infant Duke ; his Emincncy teing a that both VcUel and Men afc iSt upon tU* 
!>etfnn, than whom none has 1 better' Know- Shoals. 

ledge of the AiVairs of Europe, a more fer-i 'The Harbour hii been fo iDuch FrozSy^P 
lile Biain for Proiefls, or greater .Courage (ince cur Ijlt, that ftvetal Peifons have palt 
in the Execution of them. The Truth is, to the Gallic upon tha Ice, and bick again 
Ive may expeft to hcjt ft f-""- Enf^priies c.n Foot ; as alfo to jni" from Char' -**■->■"' 
fit iii.^.uii»n<.c auiii.g his MiniUfy. He fome ^lih Horks and Lay?, and otheis wirh 
will not only maintain the Gicat Prince's loadedi Sleds. 

Rights and Pretenfions, but will infallibly f)n Tuefd'ay laft William Lambert Efq, re- 
eling about a Reunion of the States of whicli ceivU a Deputation from the iurveyor Gene- 
66 is acknowledged to be Lawfuf Succeflbr, ral, to. fucceed Johnljekyll Eft; deceas'i, in the 
with thofe from which they were founerly CoU.Gors Office, till furnher 'Orders. ' 
j'Tmembered. On Thurfday the 28rh paft ^led here Mr. Bar- 

To al! thefc Contmantei on the patt of tiolomew Green, who has b<cn the principal 
Ijance, the Court of Vienna are fat Fiom Printer of this Town and Country hev Foiiv 
being Strangers; whence it is naiural tofup- Yeats, in the 67rh Year of his Age. 
pofe, a Cofdnefs ftiuft arifc between the two A' ElV PO R T, fan. 11 

Courts. The Emperor Itill finds Pietences for On xhe joth pift, dy'd Abraham Bord'e|i Efq; 
inferring the Venmn .ttatis, or Dlfpenfation of General Treafuier o£ this. Colony, afrej » few 

/ige, demanded for the Infant Don Citlos, not- Days Illnefs. 

tjfitjiltanding tiie prelhng Inltances of the Duka Vn Friday laft was drawn the Lottery fct 

of Liria i and the ■Great Dijke of Tulrany, forth by Mt. Ifiac Anthony. The Hoi>fe and 

on the other hand, con:phin4 to his imperial Land fell to Mr. Jofias Lendoii, Jun. and three 

JMUJeflf, that the States and Subjeflj of ct fou/ more confideiable Prices to others oi 

Toffany took Opportunity of thcit Annual Con- this Place. 

ItibWions at Midlaromet, ro give the Intanr . Cuftom Hoa/e Xewporr.f.n'irci Inwards. 

Don Catlos the Title of Gz-mi Duie-, where- Coa.ns from Boneiry. Ouiw^rJ Bound, ticne. 

ty they put him entirely upon a Level with Clctfti,- Out, Ccggtlhall and Norton for Sui 

tiimfelf. ■ 

It is cQitain, Ihat that yaung Ptince upon 

.\11 Occafions claims greater Prerogatives, than 

liio o.thet Princes of the Empiie, even thcfe 

W'iio i>e Itriflly allied with the Kings and 

V.l ec^L^'tal HouRs A ConduS which. > feems 

■iKe more Fxiraoidirary, becaafe hfil*, isyet a 

Ourinr, and- oug'-iy not upon any Account to 

lif^ook.'d upon ^ihtiwife than as Herediraty 



4nam, and Ladd for Barbadoei 

ADVERTISEMENT 

' No 15 of this Paper concludes a Quattsr. 

re vAv3 have taken it ffum (.'le ReainninE, a if dlHt'd to p«y 

MAiev to_;olin Franilin of Huftun, Or James Frankltn of 

depending on punOual Qiur- 



Niim 



nf .'ijl.lcri".!! 



^ - .- .. — , (,llW for "r.ipplylrl this 

l*?19t with FoicUn inj IJo-neOicIc .'\ff^irs, I'l v/cll 3S Sfeaill- 
ti'Jts, and may be h.mi carrycd on ihjb hirhat" ik h^» Ij^ 
if > fatthet. EotfoufaRcnent 13 eivea. - 



hlBy^iVO^J, K'.Kdi \flani : Printxid and Sold.bji James Fiiy.Nkv.iN, a't his Ptivin;; .■Houfe 
//U'ff.j rhs Town School- Houle. where Adv'enifdmints and Letttts to the Authos ve AVer.n ij>r. ' 



CHAPTER XI. 




FRANKLIN S PRINTING PRESS. 



rtiE .vEvvroKT mkrul'ky — james frankl;n.— r. i. gazette. 



THE first newspaper published in Newport was 
issued in 1732, by James Franklin, elder brother 
"!' Dr. Benjamin Franklin. It was a small sheet, the 
si/e of ordinary letter paper, and was print( d on a 
l)ress brought from Boston, which press, imported by 
.hinies Franklin, was long standing in the office of the 
Newport Mercury. 

On the 14th of February, 1734-5, James Franklin 



44 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

died, aged 38, alter a long indisposition. The print- 
ing office he left to his son James, then a child. On 
the 12th June, 1758, James, the son, issued the first 
number of the Newport Mercury. He was assisted 
m the management of it by his mother, Mrs. Ann 
Franklin, and in a few years, James, having left New- 
port, for some cause never made known, and never to 
return, her imprint alone appeared on the paper. The 
daughter of Mrs. Franklin having married one Samuel 
Hall, the Mercury was made over to him, and subse- 
quently it was transferred to Solomon Southwick, who 
published it until December, 1776, when it was dis- 
continued lor a time, Southwick fearing the British, 
who were preparing to land on the Island, would des- 
troy his property. To prevent his press and types, 
then standing in the office on Queen Street, near the 
middle of the parade, from falling into their hands, 
they were removed to the rear of the old building on 
Broad Street, known as the Kilbum House, where 
they were buried in the garden. The fact that the 
property was so secreted was made known to the 
commander of the British troops, who caused it to be 
removed to the building known as the Vaughan House, 
making the north corner of the Parade and Thames 
Street, where, in the chambers, one John Howe, who 
was known as printer to his Majesty, regularly issued 
the Rhode Island Gazette during 1 777-78-79, copies 
of which paper can now be seen at the Redwood Li- 
brary. After the war, the office was purchased by 
Mr. Henry Barber, and the Mercury was again issued 
January 1, 1780. 



CHAPTER XII. 







WHITEHALL. 



A KIDE TO GKEEN END, HONYMAN S H.I.L, WHITEHALL, AND 
OVER THE BEACHES. 



FEW spots in the environs of Newport are more 
endeared to the antiquarian than the quiet vale 
where Berkeley lived, and wrote his finest works. The 
changes that have been effected in that portion of the 
island for the century past, are slight indeed, and one 
can there still enjoy the quiet and repose, so congenial 
to the mind of Berkeley, climb the hill, named for his 
friend and neighbor, to survey the scene that always 



46 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

filled his mind with delight; or, enjoy the shade of 
the overhanging rocks, where, in fine weather, he daily 
wrote, undisturbed, save by the murmur of the distant 
ocean, the song of birds, and the low hum of bees. 

The day is fine, the roads are in excellent order, 
and we will turn our horses' heads towards Green End 
and chat of Berkeley's sojourn on Rhode Island, as 
we gently mount the hill. 

Whitehall can be reached by passing over the Beach 
and the neck of land that divides it from the second 
beach, and then up through the valley that opens to 
the left: or, by the main and Green End roads, re- 
turning by the beaches. We prefer the latter, and 
will now take the road leading from Broad Street, and 
follow it for half a mile or so, where it branches ofl' to 
the right, and to the right we must keep. On either 
slope are beautiful meadows of emerald green : the 
orchards already display thick clusters of ripening 
fruit : the maze, in its perfection, is gently swayed by 
the soft breezes from the sea, and the birds, that fill 
the air with their song, fly not at the approach of man. 

At the top of the first hill we look down upon Eas- 
ton's Pond, a large sheet spread out before us, its 
waters unbroken, save by the light skifl^ of the angler, 
or the duck leading forth her young brood upon its 
glassy surface. Its eastern shore is bounded by Ea.s- 
ton's beach, and in the breakers beyond we can descry 
the bathers, dark against the white waves sporting on 
the shore. 

To the east, the eye rests upon the valley below, 
and the rising ground that shuts out the view on the 
opposite side. The hill is known as Honyman's Hill, 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 47 

and on its summit the American forces were once 
gathered, under Lafayette, to repulse the British troops, 
then in possession of the spot on which we now stand. 
The remains of the breast work, thrown up by the 
British, are still visible on the farm to the east, and 
when a portion of it was levelled a few years since, 
cannon balls were brought to light, that were thrown 
from the American work before the general retreat 
under Sullivan. 

As we descend the hill we lose the view of all save 
the sloping banks of green, the gnarled and twisted 
trees that have yielded their fruits to father and son 
for generations, and the quiet little brook, that takes 
its rise in the woods some miles to the north, and 
empties its limpid waters in the pond to the right. 
The view is contracted, for the road curves at every 
few rods, and each change is more pleasing than the 
last. 

The ascent of Honyman's Hill is somewhat steep. 
On the left hand, just by the school house, there is a 
narrow road, running north, and shaded by overhang- 
ing trees, that, for a short drive, is very pleasant. It 
comes out on the main road, about three miles from 
town. We contimie the ascent, and as we approach 
the summit of the hill, find ourselves well repaid for 
the exertion. 

To the south a wider view is offered. The Pond, 
Easton's Beach, the more elevated portions of the 
town, and the cliffs, pushing far out into the sea, are 
spread out before us like a map. Each object can 
be distinctly seen, and even the sails and masts of 



48 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

the light craft, far out on the horizon, are clearly 
marked. 

Berkeley, when asked why he did not select this 
spot for the site of his house, replied, " To enjoy the 
prospect of the hill, he must visit it only occasionally ; 
that, if his constant residence should be on the hill, 
the view would be so common as to lose all its 
charms." 

George Berkeley, son of William Berkeley, was 
born at Kilcrin, near Thomaston, county of Kilkenny, 
March 12, 1684. At the county schools he received 
the rudiments of education, and at fifteen years of 
age he entered as a pensioner in the University of 
Dublin, where, at the expiration of eight years, he 
obtained a fellowship. At this time he published 
some of his writings, principally upon mathematical 
science. In 1709 he gave to the world his " Theory 
of Vision," and the following year he published the 
"Principles of Human Knowledge." In 1712 he 
was induced to enter upon the discussion of political 
theories, and to Jjocke's celebrated treatise the world 
is indebted for the sudden turn given to his writings. 
Berkeley's support of the banished Stuarts made him 
unpopular at the time, insomuch that Lord Galway 
represented him as a Jacobite, which unfavorable 
iiupression was only removed through the agency of 
his college pupil, Mr. Molyneaux. 

The writings of Berkeley early attracted consider- 
able attention, and they soon became the subject of 
discussion and contioversy. With Dr. John Clarke 
he had a controversy of a serious and protracted na- 
ture, and many years after, through the influence of 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 49 

Addison, the parties were brought together ; but they 
separated without a settlement of their dispute. 

In 1713, Berkeley went over to London to super- 
intend the publishing of his three Dialogues between 
Hylas and Philonous, which brought him to the notice 
of the most celebrated literary men of his day. He 
became intimate with Steele and Pope, and at the 
request of the former, wrote several papers for the 
Guardian ; for each of which it is said he received a 
guinea and a dinner. He was introduced by Steele 
to the Earl of Peterborough, who took him as chap- 
lain and secretary, when he received the appointment 
of Ambassador to the King of Sicily. 

In 1724, Berkely was preferred to the deanery of 
Derry, with a living of jCl.lOO. But new thoughts 
had found birth, and these filled his mind with visions of 
future usefulness. His heart was filled with the lofty 
and holy design of converting the savages of America 
to Christianity, by means of a College to be erected 
on the Island of Bermuda. The design once c(m- 
ceived, he arranged and drew up plans with full ex- 
planations, and solicited the influence of his friends 
to secure for these a favorable hearing His feelings 
at the time found utterance in the verses so often 
quoted : 

" Westward the course of Empire takes its way." 

The project which Berkeley had so much at heart, 
is admirably set forth in a letter from Swift to Lord 
Carteret. In this he says : 

" Your Excellency will be frighted when I tell you all this 
is but an introduction, for I am now to mention his errand. 



50 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

He is an absolute philosopher with regard to money, titles and 
power ; and for three years past, has been struck with a notion 
of founding a university at Bermudas, by a charter from the 
crown. . . He showed me a little tract which he designs to 
publish, and there your Excellency will see the whole scheme 
of a life academico-philosophical, — I shall make you remember 
what you were, — of a college founded for Indian scholars and 
missionaries, where he most exorbitantly proposes a whole 
£100 for himself, £40 for a fellow, and £10 for a student. 
His heart will break if his deanery be not taken from him, and 
left at your Excellency's disposal." 

The efforts to change the views of Berkeley were 
unavaihng ; and to carry out his plans, he sent in his 
proposals to King George I. The result is well 
known. On the 11th of May, 1726, it was voted in 
the House of Commons, " That an humble address be 
presented to His Majesty, that out of the lands in St. 
Christophers, yielded by France to Great Britain by 
rke treaty of Utrecht, His Majesty would be graciousy 
pleased to make such grant for the support of the 
president and fellows of the College of St. Paul's in 
Bermuda, as His Majesty should think proper." To 
this the King answered favorably, and Berkeley felt 
sure that the £20,000 asked for would be forthcoming. 
But the statesmen of the day thought differently, and 
before the great seal was affixed, the King died. 
Berkeley did not pause for this, but arranged his 
affairs with the full expectation of ultimately receiv- 
ing the grant ; and in 1728, having married but a 
month previous, he sailed for this port. Here he 
corresponded with his friends in England and Ireland 
on the subject of his grant. It then often required 
six months, and sometimes a year, to transmit a letter. 
He met with no encouragement, and after learning 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 51 

that the land in St. Christophers had l)eea sold and 
the proceeds distributed without regard lo his claim, 
and having received the following reply from Walpole 
to Bishop Gibson's question in his behalf, he settled 
his affairs and returned to Dublin : " If you put the 
question to me as a minister, I trust and assure you 
that the money shall most undoubtedly be paid as 
soon as suits with public convenience ; but if you ask 
me as a friend, whether Dean Berkeley should con- 
tinue in America, expecting the payment of je20,000, 
I advise him, by all means, to return home to Europe, 
and to give up his present expectations." 

The following tradition of the landing of Dean 
Berkeley in Newport, we extract from " Memoirs of 
Rhode Island," by the late Major Bull: 

" The ship ran into the west passage, and came to anchor. 
The Dean wrote a letter to Mr. Honyman, [rector of Trinity 
Church,] which the pilots took on shore at Conanicut Island, 
and called on a Mr. Gardner and Mr. Martin, two members of 
Mr. Hony man's church, informing them that a great dignitaiy 
of the Church of England, called Dean, was on board the ship, 
together with other gentlemen passengers. They handed tivjm 
the letter from the Dean, which Gardner and Martin brought 
to Newport in a small boat, with all possible dispatch. On 
their arrrval they found Mr. Honyman at church, it being a 
holyday on which divine service was held there. They then 
sent the letter by a servant, who delivered it to Mr Honyman 
in the pulpit. He opened it and read it to the congregation, 
from the contents of which it appeared the Dean might be 
expected to land in Newport every moment. The church was 
dismissed with a blessing, and Mr. Honyman, with the war- 
dens, vestry, church and congregation, male and female, re- 
paired immediately to the Ferry wharf, where they arrived a 
little before the Dean, his family and friends." 

Berkeley was charmed with Rhode Island, and in 
writing to his friends he describes it as " pleasantly 
laid out in hills and vales and rising grounds, and hath 



52 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

plenty of excellent springs, and fine rivulets, and many 
delightful landscapes of rocks, and promontories, and 
adjacent lands." He soon became settled, and built 
Whitehall, in the valley below us, and to approach it 
we leave the main road to the left, enter a gate, and 
follow the path a few rods to the house — now fast 
going to decay from neglect, and the wear of more 
than a hundred New England winters. 

The worthy dean found in Newport a society re- 
fined and elevated, whose pursuits were congenial to 
his tastes. With others, he soon formed a philoso- 
phical association, comprising the names of men dis- 
tinguished in their day for their learning and liberality, 
and who ultimately laid the foundation of the Red- 
wood Library. 

Whitehall was given by Berkeley to Yale College, 
which still retains the fee, and he also presented that 
institution with a considerable portion of his library. 
Of his favorite resort. Major Bull thus speaks : 

" During his residence at Whitehall he wrote his * Minute 
Philosopher,' and his celebrated poem, so oracular as to the future 
destinies of America. These were principally written at a 
place about half a mile to the south of his house. There he 
had his chair and writing apparatus placed in a natural alcove 
which he found in the most elevated part of the Hanging 
Rocks, (so called) roofed and only open to the south, command- 
ing at once a view of Sachuest Beach, the ocean and the 
circumjacent islands. This hermitage was to him a favorite 
and solitary retreat. He continued here about two years, per- 
haps a little longer. He was certainly here as late as Septem- 
ber, 1731, as appears by a supplementary inscription on the 
tombstone of Nathaniel Kay, Esq., which is as follows, viz: 
Joining to the south of this tomb, lies Lucia Berkeley, daughter 
of Dean Berkeley, obit, the 5th of September, 1731." 

And it is recorded of him by another : 

" His preaching was eloquent and forcible, and he always 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 53 

had a large congregation He was tolerant in religious opin- 
ions, and members of all denominations flocked to hear him " 

After Berkeley's return to England, he presented 
Trinity Church with the organ, still seen in that edi- 
fice. A recent examination of the records of the town 
of Berkeley, Mass., has brought to light the fact that 
the name of Berkeley was given to the parish as a 
compliment to the dean, and that after his return to 
Dublin he caused a magnificent organ to be built, 
which he shipped to his agent at Newport, to, be for- 
warded to Berkeley. The selectmen of the latter 
place, when they received the letter from the dean, 
called a town meeting, and it was voted that " an or- 
gan is an instrument of the devil for the entrapping of 
men's souls," and would have nothing to do with it. 
The vote was soon made known to Berkeley, who 
subsequently presented the organ to Trinity Church. 
The original case, of English oak, is still in use in 
the church, and it contains a part of the old works, 
with the addition of such new pipes as were found 
necessary when it was rebuilt a few years ago. 

In 1753 Bishop Berkeley died at Oxford. He ex- 
pired in his chair, of palsy of the heart, while his 
wife was reading to him a sermon by Sherlock. So 
easy was his death that some time elapsed before it 
was known to those around him. 




SPOUTING CAVE. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

TRAINING SCHOOL. — WAR COLLEGE. — TORPEDO STATION. — EAR- 
LY BUILDINGS. — CHURCHES. — LIBRARIF.S. — MODERN ARCHI- 
TECTURE. 

The City of Newport is situated on the southern 
portion of the Island of Rhode Island, from which is- 
land the State is named ; Middletown and Portsmouth 
occupying respectively the middle and northern por- 
tions. The island is about fifteen miles in length and 
about three miles at its greatest width. 

The harbor is all that could be desired. The Bay, 
of which it is a part, is studded with islands, the prin- 
cipal one of which is Conanicut now becoming well 
known as a summer resort. It is connected with 
Newport by a steam ferry. Between Newport and 
Conanicut is Goat Island, the seat of the Torpedo 
Station, and this has also constant steam communica- 
tion. Just north of this is the island called Coaster's 
Harbor, occupied by the United States Government 
for the Boys' Training School and the War College. 
On Brenton's Point near the southwest end of the isl- 
and is Fort Adams, where a portion of a regiment of 
troops is stationed. It was built as a part of a system 
of defence for Narraganselt Bay. At the head of the 
Bay, about twenty miles to the north, is Providence, 
a flourishing manufacturing and commercial city, with 
a population of more than a hundred thousand. With 
its immediate neighborhood it contains half of the in- 
habitants of the State. On Cole's river a few miles 



56 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

above the north end of the island is Fall River, the 
great Cotton City and the terminus of the Old Colony 
line of steamers. 

The early history of Newport, which was in fact the 
history of the Colony, is sketched in the preceding 
pages with the story of its decay. Impoverished, and 
beaten down by the iron hoof of war, it was, in the 
early part of the century, but a wreck. Its efforts for 
recovery by manufactures and commerce were fruitless, 
and its growth has come from its unrivalled fitness for 
a Summer or even a Winter resort. Attractive by its 
climate and situation from its earliest settlement, it 
owes its position as the first of American Watering 
Places, more to nature than to art. The first foreign 
visitor was Verrazano, who spent the early part of the 
season of 1524 in its harbor. From Brenton's Cove, 
forming the southwestern part of the harbor, is a most 
beautiful view of Newport and the Bay. A rocky bluff 
of about fifty feet in height rises abruptly from the 
water. At one's feet is Fort Adams with its village of 
houses for officers and men, — its rocky battlements 
bristling with guns. Just beyond lies the Torpedo 
Station, while the ship or ships of the Training Station 
lie lazily at their moorings and the harbor and bay is 
dotted with steamers and sailboats. Jamestown, on 
Conanicut at the west, shows its rapid growth of sum- 
mer hotels and residences. At the south is the wide 
Ocean in never-ceasing motion, with Narragansett Pier, 
Beaver Tail and Block Island far beyond. The Bay of 
Naples can be hardly more beautiful than this panor- 
ama on a summer's day. 

Newport approached by rail or steamboat suggests, 
on landing, its antiquity. Narrow streets, quaint old 
houses of Colonial and ante-Colonial architecture show 
little of fashion or modern life. Shops dating back to 
the last century and houses dating still farther back, 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 57 

with stone chimneys and doors and porches of classic 
design, are still to be seen, although they are vanishing 
as modern ideas advance. The town of wooden houses 
suggests possible conflagrations, which though con- 
stantly predicted have not yet taken place. From this 
first view a visitor might conclude that it is not yet a 
"watering place." A walk through the old-fashioned 
thoroughfares where two wagons can hardly pass each 
other, leads to a new and very modern Newport where 
all the possible and even impossible styles of archi- 
tecture present themselves. 

One of the early buildings is the State House, built 
in 1741 froi. ,jlans by Richard Munday. From its steps 
the Declaration of Independence was read in July 1776 
and again in 1826 by the same person. During the 
Revolution it was used as a hospital by both French 
and English, and Washington was there entertained on 
his visit to Newport. In the Senate chamber is a full 
length portrait of the Father of his Country, by Gilbert 
Stuart. Another building worthy of attention is the 
City Hall. It was built for a public market and gran- 
ary, and for many years past it has been used for a City 
Hall. In the rear of the State House is probably the 
oldest house in Newport, the Bull House, which has 
been partially modernized leaving the southern part 
with its original covering of plaster. Near this is the 
Mrst Baptist Church, which (the church not the build- 
ing) has claims to be the first Baptist church in 
America. On Touro Street near the Jewish Synagogue 
is an old building erected in 1726 by the Sabbatarian 
Baptists, the first church building belonging to that 
sect in this country. It is now the property of the 
Newport Historical Society, having in connection with 
it the room of the Natural History Society, both well 
worth the attention of visitors. From the pulpit of this 
building, still in its original condition, was preached 



58 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

in 1739 the first centennial discourse by the Rev. John 
( allender. The Jews' Synagogue near by with the 
Cemetery a little distance beyond are maintained by 
funds left by the Touros for the purpose. The building 
on Mill Street occupied as an auction room was erected 
by the First Congregational Society under the pastoral 
care of the Rev. Nathaniel Clap in 1729. The Central 
Baptist Church on Clarke Street was erected by the 
Second Congregational Society in 1733 (?), its pastor 
being the Rev. John Adams. Over this church Dr. 
Ezra Stiles presided from 1755 until the Revolution 
scattered his congregation, after which he was called 
to the presidency of Yale College. The two Congre- 
gational churches united in 1834, and the freestone 
building on the corner of Pelham and Spring Streets 
is the home of the United or rather Re-united Con- 
gregationalists. Near it are the graves of Dr. Samuel 
Hopkins and Dr. William Patten once its pastors. The 
North Baptist or Second Baptist Church has a wooden 
building of the Gothic style near the north part of 
Thames Street. The Society was formed by a seces- 
sion from the First Baptist. Trinity Church occupies 
its original building, and is a fine specimen of the 
architecture of the period, with square pews, sounding 
board, and beautiful groined arches as built in 1726. 
There are four other Episcopal churches, — Emmanuel 
in the southern part of the city, All Saints open only 
in summer, St. John's on the Point, and St. George's 
on Rhode Island Avenue, in the midst of the new 
growth of the city at the north. There are two Cath- 
olic churches, — one on Spring Street, a fine freestone 
building, and the other on Washington Square, for- 
merly the place of worship of Zion Episcopal Church. 
Both have schools, parsonages and convents attached. 
Three churches, Baptist, Congregationalist and Meth- 
odist, are maintained by the colored citizens. The 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 59 

Methodists have two churches, one of which, on Marl- 
borough Street, built in 1806, enjoys the distinction of 
being the first of its denomination in this country that 
had a steeple and bell-tower. The Unitarians have a 
very tasteful stone building on Pelham Street, erected 
as a memorial to Dr. William Ellery Channing on his 
one-hundredth birthday in 1880. A Swedish church 
has a building on Annandale Road, and an unsettled 
church of the same nationality worships in the Epis- 
copal Chapel on Church Street. 

The Redwood Library is housed in a beautiful build- 
ing on Bellevue Avenue and has a most interesting 
history. It is constantly growing in usefulness and 
value. It has always exerted a great influence, and 
has a choice, though not extensive, collection of books. 
The Free Public Library in its well arranged rooms 
on Thames Street has been established and endowed 
by the late Christopher Townsend, who with his sister 
did very much for the place of their own and their 
ancestors' birth. 

From its settlement the principal street of Newport 
has been Thames Street, or as it was called the Main 
Street. Evidently laid out as a two-rod highway, it 
has gained nothing in width and now measures only 
about twenty-nine feet. It retains its old-time quaint- 
ness ana gives the impression of belonging to a bygone 
age. Its shops have shed their old shutters and double 
doors with hanging shelves under the windows. Its 
roadway has been improved by the removal of its spine 
ot pavings resembling good sized boulders, — but noth- 
ing will make it modern. 

From it streets run eastwardly ; some of them, still 
narrower, confirming the impression that the traveller 
has landed in an old continental city. After crossing 
Spring Street, which extends from Broadway to Bailey's 
Beach and is made a main artery by the electric rail- 



6o NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

road, we come, farther east, to a continuation of Touro 
Street — Bellevue Avenue, alive in summer and dead 
in winter. It ends with Ocean Avenue which then 
runs along the shore with wild and rugged scenery on 
one hand and the vast ocean on the other, till passing 
by the southern part of the harbor we arrive again 
in town, at the lower part of Thames Street. East of 
the town is the Bathing Beach where modern life 
and modern fashion is shown in full contrast with 
the work-day life of the old town. Narrow as are the 
streets they have had to furnish place, if not room, for 
modern conveyances, and an electric street-railway 
winds its way from the Mile Corner at the north to 
Morton Park on the south, and from Commercial Wharf 
to the Bathing Beach, and has already laid its plans 
for tracks to the Point; while omnibuses and hacks 
tender their services at all points. 

Modern Newport contains specimens of every style of 
architecture and it would be difficult to select from the 
many residences, all deserving of illustration, those 
most peculiar and attractive. A few truly palatial res- 
idences have features that render them of much value 
to those interested in the architecture of homes. 

A few years since Ochre Point, having then only the 
unpretending residence of Gov. Lawrence, was sold 
and divided. Miss C. L. Wolfe of New York was the 
purchaser of a large portion of it, on which she built 
a most beautiful and substantial house of free-stone, 
in every way suited to the location, and gave it the 
name of Vinland, making its interior a proper repre- 
sentation of the homes of those who gave a thousand 
years ago the name to a part of New England. 



CHAPTER XIV. 




WHARVES. — CLIFF WALK. — THE AVENUE. — OCEAN AVENUE. — 
LAND TRUST COTTAGES. — JAMESTOWN. 

But Newport has other claims than modern palaces 
and cultivated grounds. Let us pass from the brillian- 
cy and splendor of luxurious leisure to the musings 
and dreams of the battered and decayed portions of 
Newport of the past. A visit to the wharves, once 
crowded with business, when vessels sailed the whole 
length of the harbor front seeking in vain an oppor- 
tunity to get a berth, brings one much nearer to the 
heart of old Newport. Here, until a few years ago, 
could be seen the stand where slaves from Africa 
were exposed for sale, as well as the old vats of the 



62 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED 

score or more distilleries where the rum for the pur- 
chase of these slaves was made, and the warehouses 
where goods were stored for shipment to Africa or 
the West Indies. The City Wharf occupies the ground 
where numbers of pirates were hung, and across the 
harbor is the Torpedo Station, once Fort George, or 
Fort Anne, or Fort Walcott, as either king or queen 
was in ascendency. Sailboats glide through the har- 
bor, steamboats laden with excursionists bound to the 
Beach, Block Island or Conanicut, come and go, and 
the whole air is redolent with the flavor of nautical 
life. 

There are few places so conducive to dreams of 
years gone by as the wharves of an old town, where 
stranded and loquacious old mariners can be found to 
spin their yarns of danger, death or daring. 

The visitor at Newport who desires to see its attrac- 
tions, may well on his arrival at the Bathing Beach 
take the Cliff" Walk, extending through private grounds 
from the Beach to the Boat House Gulley, a distance 
of two and three-quarters miles. It is accessible only 
to pedestrians, and possesses all the charms of Nature 
with enough of Art to make it attractive. 

Leaving the Beach we pass alon;,;; the Cliffs, fifty feet 
in height, with the Atlantic on our left, and on our 
right villas and grounds so beautifully arranged and 
mauitained that the " Land is like the Garden of 
Eden" before him. 

We pass by the Cliff" Cottages through the grounds 
of Mr. and Mrs. Gammell, on by Narragansett Avenue 
and the Forty Steps, where the Goelet houses give an 
idea of the wealth and taste which has transformed 
farms into parks, and increased values almost a hun. 
dred fold. We pass by and over Ochre Point, which 
within a few years has been crowded with palatial 
residences, among them "Vinland built by Miss Wolfe 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 63 

and now owned by Mr. Louis Lorillard, the Breakers 
owned by Mr. Cornelius Vanderbilt, and back of these, 
beautiful specimens of architecture owned by Messrs. 
Van Alen, Wysong, Shields, Eldridge and others, all 
worthy of more than a passing mention. Along the 
clifTs as we proceed are the residences of the Piersons, 
Rogers, Jones, Fiske, Kernochan. and as we go on we 
pass by Belmont's, Bancroft's, who while living spent 
his summers in the very Rose Garden of America, and 
then on by the mansions of the Astors an d Vander- 
bilts, in brick, marble and stone, all adding to the 
charms of Nature. It is useless to attempt descriptions 
of these country residences. Builders and owners pass 
away but their houses and lands remain, kept in order 
and beauty by constant changes and renewal, present- 
ing scenery and beauties to make glad the heart of man, 
generously open to the view and enjoyment of all. No 
visitor can get a just impression of what it is that makes 
Newport the place which it is, unless this ramble is 
made a part of his experience. The gli tter of equi- 
pages on the Avenue gives an impression of wealth 
and luxury beyond compare, but the Cliff Walk with 
the Ocean in its majesty, the gardens and lawns in 
their beauty and elegance, and the villas with their 
refinement and repose, make us grateful for so much 
of that Beauty which is a joy forever. 

Bellevue Avenue, the peculiar street of Summer 
Newport, extending from Touro Street to Bailey's 
Beach, a distance of about three miles, is the Boulevard 
where Fashion and Elegance make their great display. 

We have the old town, with its tradition and its his- 
tory, cherished by its inhabitants with the tenacity of 
conservatism and age, and the most modern phase 
of wealth and fashion, which displays itself on the 
Avenue and in all the gaieties of modern fashionable 
luxury and life, with elegance equal to that of Ancient 



64 NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 

Rome or the French Empire, in the dignity of Country 
Palaces, serene in the assured possession of means 
and abihty to compare with the nobles of the earth. 

All these meet, in the Season, on the Avenue, and 
pass in scenic array each afternoon before the spec- 
tator. 

A population devoted to amusement and relaxation, 
released from the cares of business and labor, is spend- 
ing Its holiday in the enjoyment of all that nature and 
art can furnish. Alas for poor Newport ! it can hardly 
turn from the wondrous vision to the humdrum duties 
of every day life, and has consequently failed of success 
in enterprises requiring applicative economy and con- 
tinuous labor. But Vogue la galere — and Newport 
gives itself up to the pleasure of the moment, and 
becomes no sturdier by the contact with all that earth 
can give of pleasure and joy. 

The Avenue is lined with houses. Already those 
built within a generation are giving place to finer and 
costlier structures, and Bellevue has extended itself 
into Ocean Avenue, which from Bailey's Beach runs 
along the southern shore of the Island around by 
Castle Hill and back to the town through Harrison 
Avenue, making the well known Ocean or Ten Mile 
Drive. 

Pedestrians seldom undertake this, but the Ocean in 
its Majesty well rewards the visitor who makes the 
excursion. The southwestern part of the island, hith- 
erto known and appreciated by a few, is now being 
laid out with elegant roads winding through and over 
hills with precipices and valleys suggesting Norman 
McLeod's description of his " Highland Parish." What 
is known as the King Lands and the Hospital Property 
west of Lily Pond has been laid out from plans by 
Mr. Olmstead. 

Ruggles Avenue has been made a main road to Ocean 



NEWPORT ILLUSTRATED. 65 

Avenue and thus a new feature has been added to 
Newport scenery. 

A number of houses have been built, and it is prob- 
able that a short time will witness an entirely new 
development and enlargement of available building 
property. To the east, too, of Bathing Beach the 
Newport Land Trust has begun a settlement. A num- 
ber of cottages are already built and plans for exten- 
sive improvements already made. 

A rapid extension of cottage and hotel life has been 
made, which is hardly a part of Newport. 

Jamestown, a short distance across the Bay, has be- 
come a very popular resort. Large hotels are crowded 
with visitors. Houses are being erected by scores. 
The southern shore of the island has its villas and the 
problem of a new Summer Resort is being rapidly 
worked out. Its growth has been remarkable and bids 
fair to continue. It is so intimately connected with 
Newport by steamboats that it forms a suburb, bidding 
fair to rival the older resort in many respects. The 
sail to this place on a summer's day is a charming 
trip, giving a view of the Bay and the Ocean, while 
across the island one can take the steamer to Narra- 
gansett and continue on to Narragansett Pier, too well 
known to need more than a passing mention. 




HAMMETT'S 
DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT 

AND ITS VICINITY. 



Almanac. The first in Newport was the Rhode Island or 
Poor Robin Almanac. 

Aqueduct Company was formed in 1802, to furnish water 
for family purposes from a fountain on Spring street. It 
was successful as to supply, but not as to profit. The foun- 
tain on the Parade is all that is left to recall its existence. 

Artillery Company. Formed in 1741. Armory in Clarke 
street. 

Asylum^, on Coaster's Harbor Island, was built 1822. The 
Island was sold to the Government in 1881 and the Asy- 
lum is now located at No. 473 Broadway. 

Banks. There are eight Banks in Newport. Capital aggre- 
gates $970,000. 

Savings Banks. Newport Savings Bank, deposits $5,734,- 
000. Coddington, $756,000. Island, $665,000. 

Cooperative Association. Established 1888. Present cap- 
ital $30,000. Loans only on real estate or shares. 

Battle of Rhode Island, August 29, 1778. 
Beach, First or Bathing, reached by Street Railway from 
the Post Office. 

Beach, Second or Sachuest, beyond Easton's Point. North 
of it is Paradise and the Hanging Rocks. 

Beach, Baileys, south of Almy's Pond at the end of Belle- 
vue avenue. 

Books, early. The first book written in Newport was 
Samuel Gorton's "Incorruptible Key," in 1647; then W. 



DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 67 

Coddington's "Five Letters," 1649; John Clarke's "111 
Newes, ' 1652. All printeci and published in England. 

The earliest publications were two "Sermons" by N. 
Clap in 1715, and John Hammett's "Vindication," 1717; 
all probably printed in Bosion. 

Brenton House, Thames street, between Church and Mary, 
was probably built before 1700. Later, called the Chan- 
ing House. 

British Army under General Clinton took possession of 
Newport. Dec. 8, 1776. Evacuated 1779, after an un- 
successful siege by the Americans. 

Burial Groufids. Common Burial Ground, Farewell street. 
North City Cemetery, Farewell street. Island Cemetery, 
Warner street. St. Mary's Cemetery, Warner street. Friend's 
Burial Ground, White street. Jewish Cemetery, Touro 
street. Clifton Burying Ground, Golden Hill street. Clarke 
Burying Ground, West Broadway. Coddington, opp. Second 
Baptist Church. Trinity Church Burial Ground, Church 
street. Coggeshall Burial Ground, Coggeshall avenue. 
Easton Burial Ground, near Second Beach ; here the 
daughter of Roger Williams is buried. Collins Burial 
Ground on Bateman's Farm. 

Business Men's Association Rooms, Thames street, corner 
Green. Incorporated 1886. 

Butts' Hill in Portsmouth. 



Casino, on Bellevue avenue. A* fine building designed by 
McKim and Mead, with tennis courts and theatre to which 
is attached a club house. 

Channing House, now Home for Friendless Children, School 
street, corner Mary. Here William Ellery Channing was 
born. 

Charity Organization, formed 1878, when 336 families 
received public aid. In 1887, with an increase of 25% in 
population the amount of money called for was diminished 
^2500. 

Cherry Neck, south of Ocean avenue, part of Rocky Farm. 

Cheseborough House, Mary street, built about 1720 on 
what was earlier the Sanford orchard. The owner pro- 
tested against the continuing of Clarke street through his 
lands. 



68 DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 

Churches : 

Central Baptist Church, Clarke street. Church formed 

1847. Building erected 1735 for the Second Congregational 

Church, of which Dr. Ezra Stiles was pastor for 20 years. 
First Baptist, established by the Congregationalist settlers 

from Massachusetts and formed into a Baptist church 1644. 

Back of State House. 
Second Baptist, North Baptist and Farewell streets. Formed 

1656. 
Shiloh Baptist, formed 1864. Corner School and Mary 

streets. Building formerly Trinity Church school-house. 
St. Joseph's, corner Clarke street. Established 1880. 
St. Mary^s, Spring, corner Levin street. Building erected 

1853- 
Union Congregational, Division street. Organized 1824. 

House built 187 1. 
United Congregational, corner Spring and Pelham streets. 

First church formed 1695, organized 1720. Second church 

formed 1728. Churches united 1834. Present building 

erected 1859 

All Saints Memorial Chapel, Beach, corner Cottage street. 
Services in summer only. 

Emmanuel, Spring street, corner Dearborn. Organized 185 1. 

St. George^ s, formerly Zion Church, Rhode Island avenue. 
Built 1880. 

St. John's, Poplar street. Organized 1882. 

Trinity, corner Spring and Church streets Built 1726, in 
place of one built about 1702, the old building being given 
to a church in Warwick. 

Kay Chapel, Church street. 

Friends' Meeting House. First society established 1643. 
House built 1700. Farewell and Marlborough streets. 

Jews' Synagogue, Touro street. Built 1763. Kept in re- 
pair by Touro Fund. 

First Methodist, Marlborough street. Built 1805. Said to 
be the first Methodist church having a steeple and bell 
tower in the United States. 

Thatnes Street Methodist, corner Thames and Brewer 

streets. Organized in 1856. Building erected 1866. 
Mount Zion {M. E.), Bellevue avenue, head of Touro street. 



DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 69 

First Presbyterian, organized 1888. Wellington avenue. 
Swedish {M. E.), Annandale road. Organized 1886. 
Channing Memorial ( Unitarian), Pelham street. Building 
erected 1880. 

City Charter. Newport was granted a City Charter in 1784. 
Charter repealed 1787. (See Easton's Beach.) Re-chartered 
•853- 

City Hall, corner Long Wharf and Thames street. Built 
for a market and granary, 1763. Peter Harrison, Architect, 
afterward used as a theatre. The land on which it stands 
was given by the Long Wharf Trustees. The cost ^24,- 
000 old tenor was to be defrayed by a lottery. 

City Property. Value of Real estate ^477,000.00. Total 
property $700,000.00. Total indebtedness $313,000.00. 

Cliff Walk, extends from the Beach, along the Cliffs, to 
Ledge road, and passes the residences of Mrs. Gammell, 
Robert and Ogden Goelet, L. L. Lorillard, C. Vanderbilt, 
F. Pierson, Fairman Rogers. L Fiske, Mrs. C. O. Jones, 
y. P. Kernochan, A. Belmont, Bancroft, The Astors, Van- 
derbilts. Dr. Bell, Ingersoll, Hunnewell, Wales Cushing, 
F. W. Vanderbilt, "Finiste>re" now owned by Mrs. H. 
M. Brooks, ending on Ledge road. 

Coal Mines in Portsmouth where much coal of inferior 
quality has been dug. The mines are for the most part 
filled with water and disused. 

Drives. Bellevue avenue. Ocean or Ten-mile Drive. East 
road to Slade's Ferry, 10 miles. West road to Bristol Ferry, 
9 miles. Bliss road and Honeyman's Hill to Indian avenue. 
Across the Beaches by Purgatory, Hanging Rocks to Indian 
avenue. 

Easton's Beach. About 1787 Nicholas Easton, claiming 
exclusive ownership of the Beach, prosecuted Giles Sanford 
for taking sand from it. The City defended the suit which 
was finally decided in favor of the City. Mr. Easton, in 
consequence" of this decision, sent in a petition to the Gen- 
eral Assembly, signed by 104 persons, asking a repeal 
of the City Charter which had been granted in 1784. This 
petition though opposed by another signed by more than 
400 citizens, was granted and the Charter was taken away. 



70 DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 

Excursions on steamboats to Providence ; to Jamestown and 
to Narragansett Pier by ferries ; to Narragansett Pier by 
steamer; to Wickford by steamer. 

Edison Electric Sfatioti, Tew's court. Supplies the City 
street lights and power for the Street Railway and private 
residences. Office at Whipple & Derby's, Bellevue avenue. 

The Endeavor. Captain Cook's ship in which he made 
the voyage around the world came to Newport about 1790 
with a cargo of oil. When about to return to France, slie 
was condemned as unseaworthy and left to decay. She was 
brought into one of the docks by one well known to the 
writer of this, where she was finally destroyed. A piece 
of the carving on her stern is still preserved as a memorial. 

Fire Department, value $64,985.00. 

First House in Newport was built on Quaker Field, Marl- 
borough street, and was burned within six months of its 
erection. 

Fort Adatns was completed about 1799, and in 1S24 the 
present fort was begun. It was completed in about 14 
years. 

Fort Chastellux was built about 1781 on Halidon Hill 
south of Wellington avenue. It was afterwards called Fort 
Harrison and later Fort Dunham. 

Fort Dumpling was built 1798- 1800. Never finished or 
armed. It has also been called Fort Louis and Fort Brown. 

Fort Greene, Washington street. 

Fort Hamilton on Rose Island, 1798-1800, was never oc- 
cupied. 

Fort IValcott, now Torpedo Station, built soon after the 
settlement of the town. 

Forty Steps at foot of Narragansett avenue on Clifif Walk. 

Funds for Benevolence. Aid for the Aged, largely en 
dowed by Christopher Townsend : expends nearly $3,000 
annually. Freebody Fund; land near the Ocean House. 
Robert B. Cranston Fund, for aid of aged or poor persons 
selected by Trustees. Fry Orphan Fund, income paid to 
Home for Friendless Children. Ellen Townsend Trust, 
$18,000. Kane Poor Fund, $2,400. 

Newport Gas Light Company, 181 Thames street. Cap- 
ital $225,000. 



DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 71 

The Glen. Private property about 4^ miles from Newport, 
on the East road. Open to pedestrians. 

Goat Island. Purchased by the town of Governor Arnold, 
1673. In 1794 the fortifications were transferred to the 
United States, and in 1790 the town sold the remainder 
of the island to the Government for $1,500. The earth- 
work battery was mentioned in 1701 as Fort Anne, in 
1730 as Fort George, in 1776 as Fort Liberty, in 1784 
as Fort Washington, in 179S as Fort Walcott. 

Hacks and Omnibuses (see drives). Omnibuses for the 
Avenue at the boats, cars, and Washington square. Hacks 
near Redwood street and Touro Park. 

Fare from northern pait of city to Narragansett avenue, 
50 cents, with additional 50 cents for first mile or part of a 
mile and 25 cents for each additional mile or part of a 
mile. Or to or from Bathing Beach by omnibus 15 cents. 
Hacks by the hour, first hour $2, each subsequent hour 
$1.50. Hacks drawn by one horse only, $1.50 per hour. 

Newport Historical Society, Touro street. Instituted 1853. 
Rooms open from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. 

Home for Friendless Children, School and Mary streets, 
in the Channing house. Established 1877. 

Hotels. Ocean House, Bellevue avenue Aquidneck House, 
Pelham street. Brayton House, Pelham street. Hartmann's, 
Bellevue avenue. Ciifton House, Bellevue avenue, corner 
Prospect Hill street. Pinard's, Bellevue avenue, corner 
Redwood street. Central, Bath road. Perry House, Wash- 
ington square. 

Indebtedness of Newport. $243,000. .Sinking fund, $26,000. 

Industrial School for Girls, Broadway, maintained by the 
City. 

Industrial School for Boys, endowed by Miss Ellen Town- 
send, in preparation. 

Land, early division of. At the settlement of Newport a 
distribution of land was made among the proprietors, the 
divisions extending eastwardly from the harbor. To W. 
Coddington was allotted the portion between North Baptist 
street and the Parade ; to Walter Clarke from the Parade 
to Mary street; to William Brenton from Mary to Church 
streets ; to Robert Carr from Mill to a short distance be- 



72 DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 

yond Pelham street and to B. Arnold a tract south of 
Carr's property. 

Outside of the town, William Dyre owned west of Mi- 
antonomi Hill ; William C'oddington around Coddington's 
Cove; W. Brenton north of the Big Pond; John Clarke 
between Tanner and Warner streets; Nicholas Easton 
owned the Beach and the land west of it. From the Beach 
around the shore to Brenton's Point were the allotments 
of Brace. Brenton, Foster, Harding, Bull, Jeffrey, Codding 
ton and Coggeshall. The exact boundaries are not easily 
determined. West of the Big Pond was the Commonage, 
and it is probable that the triangle on which stands the 
.Soldiers' monument is one of the last portions of this 
division. 

Lawton' s Valley. A picturesque locality on the West road 
near which is an old earthwork thrown up during the 
Revolution. Six miles from Newport. 

Lily Pond, about 30 acres in extent between Ocean Drive 
and Hazard road. Leased to the Arctic Ice Company. 

Liberty Tree. At the north end of Thames street is the 
Liberty Tree Lot given in 1766, by William Read, to 
commemorate the opposition to the Stamp Act by the Sons 
of Liberty. The tree was destroyed by the British, and in 
1783 a new one was planted on which was a copper plate 
with the names of the thirteen by whom it was planted. 
This tree died and a third has now been planted in its 
place. 

Long Wharf, first built 16S5. In the hands of Trustees 
who rent it to the O. C. Steamboat Company, using the 
income for building school-houses. 

The Earliest Map in Newport was made by John Mumford 
1712-13, not published until i860 when it was printed as 
a corner map in a map of Newport with a part of Middle- 
town. Two maps of the town were made in 1776, one by 
Blaskowitz and the other by Des Barres ; both are military 
surveys. 

No map of the town or island was published for sale 
until 1849. 

First Grist JVlill on Marlborough street, and the mill-stone 
was used for a doorstep until recently. 

Mortality of Newport. Annual rate 14.5 per 1000 of pop- 
ulation. 



DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 73 

Newport Fellowship Club, 1754, and the name changed to 

Newport Marine Society, 1785- 

Market House. First one was built on the Ferry Wharf 
in 1733 

Masonic Fraternity. In 1658, the first three degrees were 
brought from Holland by a number of emigrants. 

Masonic Temple, Church, corner of School street. 

Miantononii Hill, near Coddington's Cove, reached by 
Malbone avenue. From this is a beautiful view of the 
City and Bay Malbone Gardens were here, now the res- 
idence of Ex-Mayor Bedlow. 

Morton Park, at the foot of Spring street. The gift of 
Hon. Levi P. Morton. It contains nearly 13 acres. On 
it is " Dead Head Hill " from which is a view of the 
Polo Grounds. 

Natural History Rooms, rear of Historical Society Build- 
ing on Touro street. Incorporated 1883. 

First Naval Engagement of the Revolution between a 
colonial sloop and a tender of the British frigate "Rose." 
The tender was chased onto Conanicut shore, June 15, 
1778. 

Newport Hospital, Howard avenue. Incorporated 1873. 
Largely endowed by bequest of John Alfred Hazard's gift 
of real estate. 

Newport Land Trust owns a tract of land on Easton's 
Point between First and Second Beaches. 

Newport Reading Rootn, Bellevue avenue, corner of 
Church street. 

Newport Water Works. Built by George H. Norman, the 
City giving him their right in Easton's Pond. Formed in- 
to a stock company with capital of ^750,000. 

New Roads. The tract of land between Lily Pond and 
Castle Hill is largely the property of the Newport Hospi- 
tal and the heirs of Edward King. Part of it was long 
known as " Big Swamp," visited by but few people. It 
was inaccessible except to pedestrians and is wild and 
rocky, resembling no other part of the island. Within a 
short time, under the direction of Mr. F. L. Olmstead, it 
has been laid out with well-built winding roads, and quite 
a number of sites are already occupied with buildings. No 



74 DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 

part of the island affords equal opportunities for picturesque 
development. The Main roads from Ocean avenue, extend- 
ing to Harrison and Bellevue avenues by a continuation of 
Ruggles avenue, are Brenton avenue and Hazard road. The 
whole scenery is charming in its combination of rocks and 
precipices, with views of the ocean on the south, while from 
its stony hills the harbor and bay may be seen on the north 
and west. 
Newspapers. Rhode Island Gazette, the first in the State, 
published 1732 ^t,. Newport Mercury, established 1758. 
Daily News, 1856. Newport Journal, weekly, 1867. New- 
port Observer, daily. Enterprise, weekly. 

Ocean Drive, from Bailey's Beach along the southern end 
of the island, passing the Hospital and King lands and 
the houses on Castle Hill and Harrison avenue. 

Odd Fellows Hall, organized 1864. On the Parade. 

Oldest House in Newport. The Bull House, rear of State 
House, on Spring .street. 

Old Colony Railroad. Depot foot of Marlborough street. 

Old Colony Stea-tnboat Coinpatiy. Depot Long Wharf, 
north. 

Parsonage of the First Congregational Church, Divis- 
ion street. Mentioned in Mrs. .Stowe's " Minister's Wooing." 

Perry, M. C, statue. Commander of Japan expedition- 
The gift of his family. Touro Park. 

Perry, O. H,, monument. The hero of Lake Erie. By 
W. G. Turner. Washington square. 

Pirates. Twenty six were hung at Ciravelly Point, where is 
now the City Wharf, July 19, 1773. 

Prescott's Head-quarters in Portsmouth about 4)^ miles 
from Newport on the West road. The head-quaners in 
town was the house at the corner of Spring and Pelham 
streets, now owned by the Sayer family. 

Price Neck, part of Rocky Farm. South of Ocean avenue. 

Public School, established in Newport, Aug. 20, 1640. 
Probably not a free school. These were not formed until 
1824. 

Fhiblic Schools. Number of school houses, 9. The Potter 
and Willow street houses were built by the Long Wharf 
Trustees. Annual expenditures for schools about ^45,000. 



DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 75 

Purchase of the island. The Island of Aquidneck was 
bought of Miantonomi and Canonicus, Nov. 22, 1633, by 
William Coddingion and his friends, for 23 coats and 13 
hoes. 

Purgatory, Clifils at the west end of Sachuest Beach. 

People's Library, 260 Thames street. Free to all. Open 
daily. About 29,000 volumes. 

Redwood Library, Bellevue avenue and Redwood street. 

Open to visitors from 12 to 2 p. m. Number of volumes 

about 36,000. 
Rogers High School on Church street, built in large part 

from bequest of William Sanford Rogers and endowed by 

him. 

Settlement of Newport, made first around the spring just 

southeast of the State House. From this spring a stream 

ran through Marlborough street to the cove. 
Societies. Masonic, Odd Fellows, Beneficiary and others, 

about 90 to 100 in number. 
Soldiers' Monufnent, by W. C. Noble. Broadway, on 

line of the Street Railway. 
Spouting Rock, west end of Bailey's Beach. 
State House at the head of the Parade, built 1739. In 

the Senate Chamber is a fine Washington by Gilbert Stuart. 
Stone Mill, Touro Park. Date of erection unknown. (See 

page 27.) 
Streets, expenditure for, $54,000 annually. 
Street Railway, from Commercial Wharf to the Beach, and 

to One Mile Corner north and Morton Park on the south, 

passing through Spring street. 

Taxable Property of Newport. Real Estate $25,356,900. 
Personal $6,863,750. Total $32,226,650. Amount of tax 
$322,206.50. Rate of tax $10 per $1000. 

Telegraph Hill, on Beacon road, so named from a tele- 
graph erected there in very early times. 

Telegraph Offices. Western Union, 320 Thames street, 
170 Bellevue avenue. Postal Telegraph Company, 301 
Thames street. 

Telepho7ie Exchange, 179 Thames street. 



IZ, 



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76 



DICTIONARY OF NEWPORT. 



Torpedo Station. Under the charge of the Navy Depart- 
ment. Has workshops and laboratories for the manufacture 
of gun-cotton, torpedoes, &c., on Goat Island. 

Touro Park, between Mill and Pelhani .streets. In it are 
the Stone Mill, and statue of Commodore Perry of the 
Japan expedition. 

Training Station for apprentices of the U. S. Navy. Sta- 
tioned at Coaster's Harbor Island which was given by 
the City to the U. S. Government in 1881. 

War College. Established at Coaster's Harbor Island and 

under the charge of the Navy Department. 
Whitehall, formerly owned by Bishop Berkeley, north of 

Paradise road. Given by Berkeley to Yale College. 




LIBERTY TRKE. 



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